Waterford will face Cork in a relegation play-off despite defeating Clare by 1-23 to 1-20 at Walsh Park.

A crowd of 2,656 must have been impressed by the accuracy of Patrick Curran as the corner forward amassed 1-13 of the winning tally, but the caveat is that the Banner County were already safely through to the last eight, where they will meet Limerick next weekend.

Peter Duggan pointed twice for the visitors as the first four points were shared and Clare surged three clear inside eleven minutes thanks to David Reidy, Cathal Malone and Ian Galvin.

The losers led by six when Conor McGrath netted and Seadna Morey rifled a point but four Curran frees and points from Mikey Kearney and captain Kevin Moran tied the scores up on 29 minutes.

Curran's goal meant Derek McGrath's charges led by 1-13 to 1-10 at the short whistle and the teams shared 20 points in a nip-and-tuck second period. With nine different players on target, the Banner twice drew level but it was Na Deise who bagged the points, despite having Conor Gleeson sent off.

Waterford - I O'Regan; B Coughlan, S Fives, I Kenny; T de Burca, A Gleeson (0-1), K Bennett (0-1); M O'Brien, C Gleeson (0-1); K Moran (0-1), S Bennett (0-1), DJ Foran (0-1); M Walsh, P Curran (1-13, 0-9f), M Kearney (0-4). Subs: T Devine for DJ Foran, T Ryan for M Walsh, C Prunty for M O'Brien, M Shanahan for K Moran, Philip Mahony for A Gleeson.

Clare - D Tuohy; J Browne, C Cleary, P O'Connor; S Morey (0-1), D McInerney, D Fitzgerald; C Malone (0-1), T Kelly (0-4); P Duggan (0-5, 4f), J Conlon (0-2), D Reidy (0-3); C McGrath (1-1), I Galvin (0-2), S O'Donnell (0-1). Subs: M O'Malley for S Morey, J Shanahan for P O'Connor, C McInerney for C Malone, R Taylor for I Galvin, E Quirke for J Browne.

Referee - J Murphy.

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