An opportunist goal midway through the second half proved decisive yesterday giving Clare their first win in the division over current holders Derry.

Taking advantage of an experimental side fielded by Derry manager Eamonn Coleman, Clare secured the points at a blustery Cusack Park in Ennis yesterday.

After successive losses against Cavan and Meath, Clare set out their stall early with a brilliant point from full forward Paul Hehir after a move that started in Clare's full-back line.

Hehir was to cause the Derry full-back line problems throughout, grabbing three points from play in the first half, helping to give Clare a one-point lead at halftime, 0-6 to 0-5.

Despite Derry fielding only four of the championship side that lost last July's Ulster final, they were well placed at half-time to grab an away win.

However, Clare seized the initiative with early scores from David Russell and Ger Keane.

Derry replied with points from Johnny McBride and Patrick Bradley to reduce the deficit to one point only to allow Denis Molohan to steal in while the fullback line hesitated after a speculative ball from Hehir to score the only goal of the game and put four points between the sides.

Further points by Denis Russell (two), Mullen and Hehir secured victory for Clare, despite a spirited Derry comeback with scores from O'Kane (two) and Gilligan.

Clare: F Maguire; N Hawes, B Considine, E McGuane; M O'Connell, J Considine, P Smith; D Russell (0-2), D O'Sullivan; G Keane (0-2), Denis Russell (0-3), Jim Young; D O'Driscoll, P Hehir (0-4), C Mullen (0-1). Sub: D Molohan (1-0) for O'Driscoll (30 mins).

Derry: M Conlon; J Covenery, K McCoy, R Dougan; P Carton, A Heaney, P Kelly; P O'Kane (0-4), E Muldoon; C Gilligan (0-1), P Murphy (0- 1), D Boylan (0-2); P Bradley (0-3), P McFlynn, G Conwell. Sub: J McBride (0-1) for Murphy (40 mins).

Referee: P O'Toole (Longford).