Longford turned Clare on their head to book a place in round three of the Tailteann cup with a three point win in Ennis.
Clare responded with two points of their own when Mark McInerneys eighth minute point was followed up by Aaron Griffin. The sides level after 10 minutes.
The sides traded scores again through Farrell and Griffin before the games opening two pointer arrived compliments of Oran Kenny. The Rathcline man raising the orange flag after 23 minutes.
Mark McInerney got his second point of the day with a 13-yard free after 24 minutes. However, Paddy Moran struck back for Longford, as they reinstated their two point advantage.
Dermot Coughlan and Aaron Griffin kicked a point each for Clare, but a well taken two-pointer from Dylan Farrell sandwiched between the home scores sent Longford into the break with a one point lead.
At half-time Longford led, eight points to seven.
Clare fight back
The first score of the second-half was six minutes in the making. Daniel Reynolds blazed the ball over the Clare crossbar which could have easily rippled the Banner net.
Mark McInerney opened Clare’s second-half account before Cillian Rouine found the back of the Longford net on 47 minutes.
Longford came back with a two-pointer from Matthew Flynn, followed by Oran Kenny and Dylan Farrell scores. Longford led by two after 53 minutes, 14 points to 1-9.
Clare hit the next four scores in a row through Alan Sweeney, Aaron Griffin, and a two-pointer from substitute Emmett McMahon. The hosts taking a two point lead after 61 minutes.
A frantic final 10 minutes followed. Dylan Farrell got Longford’s opening goal. Aaron Griffin replied for Clare as the sides drew level again. However, the Longford response was strong.
Aaron and Dylan Farrell both registered points before Oran Kenny capitalised on a poor kick-out, raising the green flag for the second time as Longford moved six ahead.
Clare made the final few minutes uncomfortable for the visitors as Aaron Griffin and Emmett McMahon both kicked a two-pointer each for Clare.
Reducing the deficit to two with 90 seconds reaming. Clare attempted to work the opening for a two-pointer to force the game to extra-time. However, Longford held out for the win, progressing to round three of the Tailteann Cup.
Longford running out two-point winners in Cusack Park, 2-17 to 1-18.
