Clare have claimed a big scalp in their quest for promotion from Division 4 of the Allianz Football League, securing a 2-13 to 1-08 win over Wicklow at a blustery Cusack Park.
The Banner were given a shot in the arm within six minutes when Wicklow captain and talisman Leighton Glynn was shown a straight red card for allegedly striking Martin McMahon.
Wicklow remained strong in the first half though, but three points from David Tubridy and a very well-worked goal, finished by Gary Brennan, gave the Banner a 1-4 to 0-5 half-time lead.
Despite having the wind at their backs, Clare started slowest after half-time. Wicklow pulled level before David Tubridy kicked Clare back in front.
He scored three more and Shane McGrath pointed twice before a Clare goal from Shane Brennan, as part of a spell which saw Clare score 1-8 and Wicklow just a single point.
James Stafford netted for the visitors late on, but it wasn't enough and Paudge McMahon had the final say in the 2-13 to 1-08 win.
Elsewhere in Division 4, Leitrim defeated Carlow 1-17 to 1-08. Tipperary won in London, 1-19 to 1-07 and Antrim beat Waterford 1-17 to 0-6.
In Division One, Mayo got their first win over still-winless Kerry. They earned a 2-15 to 1-13 victory at McHale Park,
Kildare have been beaten thanks to two last minutes goals from Tyrone. It ended 3-16 to 1-21 after a dramatic finish in Newbridge.
Derry beat Westmeath by 3-16 to 0-12.
In Division 2 Donegal defeated Monaghan by 2-11 to 10 points in Letterkenny.
