Longford chalked up their fourth win of the current campaign yesterday to remain firmly in the hunt for promotion from Division 2B.

Clare started brightly and were leading by five points to two when Padraic Davis struck for Longford's opening goal in the 22nd minute. This score seemed to inspire the midlanders, who proceeded to add a second goal just eight minutes later from the impressive Niall Sheridan.

Clare had early second-half scores from substitute John Enright and Michael O'Dwyer, but were extremely unfortunate not to get back on level terms in the 45th minute when Davy Russell's well struck shot cannoned off the crossbar.

However, Paul Barden scored three points for Longford to re-establish the home side's superiority.

LONGFORD: G Tonra; D Brady, C Conefrey, D Ledwith; M Mulleady, E Ledwith, A O'Connor (0-1); L Keenan, T Smullen (0-2); M Kenny, P Barden (0-3), D Barden; J Martin (0-2), N Sheridan (1-1), P Davis (1-2, 0-1 free). Subs: M Lennon for Martin, P Shanley for Sheridan (both 59 mins).

CLARE: D O'Brien; A Malone, N Griffin, R Gibbons; D Hedigan, D O'Sullivan, P Gallagher; G Quinlan, P Cosgrove; M O'Dwyer (0-6, all frees), P Hehir, D O'Driscoll (0-1); O O'Dwyer (0-2, one free), D Russell (0-1), E Curtin (0-1). Subs: P McMahon for Gibbons (19 mins); F Maguire for O'Brien (32); J Enright (0-1) for Quinlan (39).

Referee: P Carney (Roscommon).