Full-time Waterford 0-13 Clare 0-10

Waterford secured a memorable victory away to Clare in the Electric Ireland Munster Minor Football Championship, building a decisive first-half lead before withstanding a strong Clare fightback after the break.

Waterford made an early statement when Dara Gough opened the scoring on 9 minutes with a superb two-point free from long range to put his side on the front foot.

Clare responded well, with Rian Cotter getting them off the mark before Robbie Kelly added another from play to briefly edge the Banner men in front.

However, Waterford began to take control through the accuracy of Gough, who converted two more frees to settle his side.

Clare stayed in touch with fine scores from Liam Keane and Sean O’Callaghan, both showing quality from distance, but Waterford finished the half strongly.

Points from Peter Murray and another outstanding two-point free from Gough stretched the lead, before Enda Bloomer rounded off the scoring to leave Waterford 8 points to 4 ahead at half-time.

Clare came out firing in the second half, hitting three points in quick succession through Sean O’Callaghan and two excellent efforts from Liam Keane to close the gap.

Waterford responded through Ronan Kirwan, whose work rate throughout the game was immense, covering every blade of grass before slotting over from play.

A brilliant solo effort followed from Theo Meagher, who burst forward on a lung-busting run to restore momentum for Waterford.

One of the key moments of the game came midway through the half, when Clare managed a dramatic goal-line clearance to deny Dara Gough what looked like a certain goal.

The game grew increasingly physical, with yellow cards issued on both sides, while a late scuffle saw further cautions handed out.

Waterford continued to pick off crucial scores, including a well-taken fisted point from Tomás Walsh.

Clare kept battling, and a superb two-pointer from Sean O’Callaghan, followed by a late free from Liam Keane, ensured a tense finish, but Waterford held their nerve.

In the end, Waterford’s clinical first-half display and the outstanding scoring of Dara Gough proved the difference, as they secured a famous win on the road in West Clare.

Waterford scorers: Dara Gough 0-6 (4 frees, 2 two-pointers), Peter Murray 0-1, Enda Bloomer 0-1, Ronan Kirwan 0-1, Theo Meagher 0-1, Tomás Walsh 0-1

Clare scorers: Sean O’Callaghan 0-3 (1 two-pointer), Liam Keane 0-3 (1 free), Rian Cotter 0-1, Robbie Kelly 0-1