There is now a strong chance that Fermanagh can reach the play-off stages of the league after they picked up another two points from their visit to Kilmihil on Saturday.

Although Clare started well, they faded significantly in the closing stages and as a result of this defeat a relegation battle is now their main concern.

Playing with the benefit of a favourable wind, Clare were quick to take advantage in the opening quarter and soon pulled away to a three-point lead. Martin Daly, Peadar McMahon and Kieran Considine each provided the finishing touches. Fermanagh were a little shaky getting off their feet and some of that had to do with the fact that three originally selected players withdrew from the side just before the start.

Fermanagh had to wait until 17 minutes before finding their first score when Stephen Maguire pointed a close-range free. But then they added a further four scores without reply as Clare seemed to lose their momentum.

Paul Brewster and Martin Green started to dominate at midfield for the visitors. They resisted a lot of pressure in the face of the strong breeze and it was not too much of a surprise when they went into the break 05 to 0-4 in front.

Clare soon made up for failing to make the most of their wind advantage. They regained the initiative early after the restart and then recovered the lead.

Ger Keane fired over his first point and was then involved in the move which set up Martin Daly for a superbly struck goal nine minutes into the second half.

That, however, only sparked new life into Fermanagh. They fired straight back with a goal from Stephen Maguire that spelled the end of Clare's hopes.

A long-range free was sent in by Raymond Gallagher and it was Maguire who rose the highest to send the ball into the net. That levelled the score and from there Fermanagh never looked back.

There was nothing Clare could do to rally any further. The final 10 minutes was all Fermanagh and the three conclusive points came from Raymond Gallagher and Raymond Johnson. Nobody could disagree that Fermanagh deserved the points and it gives them every opportunity to prove themselves capable of mixing with the best in the play-off stages.

FERMANAGH: P Maguire; P Courtney, P Quinn, P McGuinness; T Callaghan, T Collins, J Gilheaney; P Brewster, M Green; K Donnelly, L McBarron, R Johnson (0-1); R Gallagher (0- 5), S Maguire (1-2), S King (0-1). Subs: S McDermott for Donnelly, K Cassidy for King.

CLARE: C Walsh; B Keating, C Considine, C Whelan; P Gallagher, B Rouine, R Slattery; D O'Sullivan, G Quinlan; P McMahon (0-2), D Russell, D O'Driscoll; G Keane (0-1), K Considine (0-2), M Daly (1-1). Subs: J Daly for Quinlan, Quinlan for D Russell.

Referee: S Prior (Leitrim).