NFL Division Two A/ Donegal 0-11 Clare 0-4: Donegal, as expected, took both points at Cusack Park, Ennis, yesterday. But they will have to acknowledge that the dismissal of Clare centre back Ronan Slattery just four minutes into the second half proved to be the turning point in this sub-standard game.

After the opening half the visitors, though aided by a strong wind, could manage only a one-point lead, 0-5 to 0-4.

Alan Clohessy pointed Clare in front after four minutes from a free before Adrian Sweeney did the same at the other end a few minutes later.

Donegal had gained a three-point advantage by the 15th minute thanks to scores from Conal Dunne, Sweeney and centre back Barry Monaghan.

The home team stayed in touch with a pair of points from Rory Donnelly. A Michael Doherty pointed free for the Ulster sided was replied to in injury-time by a Peter O'Dwyer score for Clare.

Following the restart Slattery was shown a second yellow and then a red card for an off-the-ball incident.

Rory Kavanagh then fisted a good Donegal score and from then until the end Barry Dunnion began to wield his influence. The roving wing back attacked the Clare defence with vigour and he was instrumental in setting up a number of Donegal scores before the final whistle.

DONEGAL: P Durcan; T Donoghue, P Campbell, K Lacy; B Dunnion, B Monaghan (0-1), K Cassidy; B Boyle, N Gallagher (0-1); C Toye, C Dunne (0-1), R Kavanagh (0-1); A Sweeney (0-2, one free), J Gallagher, M Doherty (0-2, frees). Subs: C Bonner (0-2) for Dunne (33 mins), C McFadden (0-1) for Sweeney (34 mins), F McGlynn for Lacy (67 mins), B Roper for Doherty (67 mins).

CLARE: D O'Brien; P Gallagher, C Whelan, G Tubridy; G Kelly, P Slattery, D Blake; P O'Dwyer (0-1), G Quinlan; F O'Dea, A Clohessy (0-1, free), N Considine, R Donnelly (0-2), D Russell, M O'Shea. Subs: L Healy for O'Dwyer (54 mins), D Hedigan for Considine (59 mins), C Malone for Blake (64 mins).

Referee: P Daly (Westmeath).