Carlow 1-12 Clare 0-10: Numerical advantage eventually told as Carlow took the points at Milltown Malbay yesterday.

Clare had three players dismissed in the second half, while Carlow were reduced to 14 not long after the break. The game was moved after Cusack Park, Ennis, was deemed unplayable earlier in the day.

Clare had a one-point lead - 0-7 to 0-6 - at half-time. Carlow's Brian Farrell was dismissed soon after being introduced but Clare were soon down to 13 men as Gordon Kelly and Niall Considine received marching orders.

Carlow levelled with points by Eric McCormack and Brian Kelly and then McCormack goaled for the visitors.

In injury-time Clare's David Russell earned himself a second yellow.

CARLOW: J Brennan; J Roche, J Hayden, P Bambrick; E Doyle, R Sinnott, J Ryan; D Byrne, J Murphy (0-1); R Walker (0-1), JJ Smith (0-1), J Kehoe; E McCormack (1-2, 0-2 frees), P Walsh, B Kelly (0-6, frees). Subs: B Farrell for Bambrick, B Carbery (0-1)for Walsh, P Cashin for Ryan.

CLARE: Joe Hayes; L Healy, C Whelan, G Kelly; N Considine, F Conway, E Doyle; G Brennan, F O'Dea (0-1, free); J Larkin, S Hickey (0-1), D Russell; M O'Shea (0-1), T Ryan (0-1), D Tubridy (0-6, five frees). Subs: John Hayes for Ryan, K Whelan for Brennan, S Collins for Larkin.

Referee: P McGovern(Galway).