*Clare’s Rian Cotter. Photograph: Gerard O’Neill.
THERE were three key areas of improvement visible for Clare’s minor footballers as they picked up their first win of the championship.
Clare accounted for Limerick by the minimum in Mountcollins on Monday evening to reignite their championship aspirations.
According to Clare manager Joe Hayes, improvement in the team’s workrate, shooting efficiency and kickouts were key to this hard earned win over a fancied Limerick outfit.
“It you are working harder you will have more possession. Our shooting efficiency this week was over 80% while our kickouts were over 90% up from 27% last week. There was more urgency in our play this week and that was evident from the first play when Siney (Neenan) won turnover possession and his team mates were there to back him up”, Hayes told The Clare Echo.
Limerick had a late chance to win but Charlie McCarthy’s attempt at a two pointer just drifted wide. “It was a bit nerve wrecking at the finish. We probably should have been more comfortable. We were 0-12 to 0-7 up and we were full value for that lead. Then they got a goal. It would have been harsh if we lost”.
Clare now face another must win game on Monday when they take on Tipperary at Quilty. “We have to win to stay in the race and if we win we are not guaranteed to progress but we can’t worry about that,” the ex county goalkeeper outlined.
Midfielder Paddy Neylon and full back Siney Neenan are both very doubtful for Monday’s game, both having left the field because of injury in the first half against Limerick. “We have a few more with minor injuries. It’s all about recovery this week ahead of Monday’s game”, Hayes said.
Despite having lost their two games in the competition, Tipperary still have a chance to advance to phase two. To do that they must beat Clare and hope that Waterford account for Limerick. Such a scenario would leave Tipperary, Clare and Limerick level with one win each and that would lead to score difference being required to decide the order in which they finish.
A win for Clare allied to victory for Limerick over Waterford would leave Clare, Limerick and Waterford level with two wins each requiring score difference to determine placings.
