Monaghan claimed their first victory of the All-Ireland series beating Clare 1-23 to 1-18 at Clones.
The sides were level at 1-14 to 0-17 with 15 minutes remaining before an impressive finish saw Monaghan claim a five-point victory.
The visitors started impressively and led 0-7 to 0-3 inside 16 minutes. Ryan O’Toole, Conor McCarthy and Karl O’ Connell on target for Monaghan.
Clare were sharper in the opening period. Anytime Monaghan scored, it was quickly cancelled out by the Banner men.
Monaghan eventually disrupted the trend. Two points from Jack McCarron and one from Karl O’Connell levelled the game on 28 minutes.
The sides traded two points each during the remainder of the first-half resulting in a level scoreboard at half-time; 0-10 apiece.
Darragh Bohannon’s goal within nine minutes of the restart edged Clare back in front. Micheal Bannigan restored parity three minutes later.
Jack McCarron was Monaghan’s main scorer. His fifth of the day gave the Farney men a one-point lead on 49 minutes.
Three-time All Star Conor McManus entered the fray 60 seconds later. His first point soon followed as Monaghan maintained their one-point buffer.
McCarron opened up a three-point gap on 65 minutes. Jamie Malone replied within 60 seconds before Monaghan’s Conor McCarthy scored a goal four minutes later.
The sides traded two points each thereafter. McCarron registered his ninth point while Gary Mohan sealed a five-point win right at the death.
