Fermanagh 0-12

Clare 0-9

Fermanagh moved a step closer to securing promotion to Division 1 of the Allianz Football League with victory over Clare at Brewster Park.

Tipped for relegation at the outset of the year, Rory Gallagher's charges have taken Division 2 by storm and continue to set the pace at the top of the table alongside Meath. By contrast, Clare are facing a battle to avoid the drop following this defeat. They almost snatched a draw, but Sean O'Donoghue's late goal chance was cleared off the line by Thomas Treacy as the unbeaten hosts held on for their third win of the campaign.

Boosted by early points from Sean Quigley (free) and Che Cullen, Fermanagh held a 0-6 to 0-5 lead at the break after the sides had been level four times in the opening half. Clare briefly led through Conor Finucane before Kane Connor (mark) and Quigley ('45') gave the Erne County a slender lead at the interval.

Ryan Lyons, Declan McCusker, Ciaran Corrigan and Aidan Breen all scored from play in the second half to keep Fermanagh in the driving seat. Clare's frustration at not being able to break down the hosts' packed defence was compounded by a black card for Jamie Malone - who kicked two points in the third quarter - with nine minutes of normal time remaining.

Fermanagh - T Treacy; J Cassidy, L Cullen, K Connor (0-1m); U Kelm, J McMahon, C Corrigan (0-1); C Cullen (0-1), R Jones; R Lyons (0-1), D McCusker (0-1), A Breen (0-1); K McDonnell, C Jones, S Quigley (0-6, 5f, 1'45). Subs: P McCusker for K McDonnell, E Donnelly for J Cassidy, D Teague for C Jones, D McGurn for P McCusker, E McHugh for A Breen.

Clare - P De Loughrey; K Harnett, C Brennan, G Kelly; D Ryan, A Fitzgerald, C O’Dea; G Brennan (0-1f), C O’Connor; K Malone (0-2), S Collins, J Malone (0-1); E Cleary (0-1), D Tubridy (0-2f), C Finucane (0-1). Subs: S O’Donoghue (0-1) for C O’Connor, K Sexton for K Malone, G O’Brien for C Finucane.

Referee - J Henry.

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