NFL 4: 13-man Clare fall just short
February 06, 2011Clare 0-11
Two controversial red cards cost Clare dear as Leitrim edged to victory in Sunday's Allianz National Football League Division 4 clash at Carrick-on-Shannon.
The Banner were down to 14 men before half-time with a red card for Gordon Kelly and when David Tubridy followed him down the tunnel five minutes into the second half, Clare faced the most uphill of tasks.
That they came close to take both points was testament to the teamwork displayed by their 13 men.
Leitrim had led by two at half-time (0-6 to 0-4) but despite the significant numerical disadvantage, Clare fought back to open up a two-point lead themselves with five minutes left.
But the gas ran out for the visitors and Leitrim drew level before Wayne McKeon's score two minutes into injury time secured the points.
However, it was the performance of Donegal referee Shaun McLaughlin which was the really notable aspect, with a flurry of yellow cards in addition to the two red, despite the fact that there was scarcely a foul blow dealt during the 70 minutes.
Leitrim: C McCrann; G Reynolds, R Gallagher, P Maguire; D Beck, B McWeeney, B Prior; T Beirne, W McKeon (0-1); R Mulvey (0-1), J Glancy (0-4 one free), P Brennan; B McDonald, A Croal (0-2), R Cox (0-1). Subs: C Beirne (0-3, frees) for R Cox, C Maguire for R Mulvey, C Clarke for P Brennan, C Sheridan for G Reynolds, D Sweeney for B McDonald.
Clare: J Hayes; L Healy, B Duggan, N White; M McMahon, G Kelly, J Hayes; G Brennan (0-1 free), C O'Connor (0-1); D Daly, D Tubridy (0-3 two frees), N Browne; R Donnelly (0-2), T Ryan, A Clohessy (0-3 two frees). Subs: S Brennan (0-1) for T Ryan, K Hartnett for N White, M Foran for D Daly, S McNelis for M McMahon.
Referee: S McLaughlin (Donegal). Tweet
