Banner flying high at Croker

Clare 1-13 Wexford 0-7

Clare look on course for their fourth straight championship success of the summer after Alan Markham goaled for a 1-13 to 0-7 half-time lead in today's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final tie with Wexford.

Markham scored the crucial goal on the half-hour mark, taking a handpass from Barry Nugent to fire past Damien Fitzhenry, although the Wexford 'keeper did get a partial parry to the shot.

Wexford's chances took a blow when experienced defender Declan Ruth was forced off with an injury on 25 minutes, and the Model men have looked unsettled in the latter stages of the half.

They were 0-2 to 0-6 down inside 13 minutes as Clare opened the better. Points from Ruth, Dessie Mythen (0-2), Adrian Fenlon and Rory Jacob kept Wexford in the hunt, but Clare began to cruise after Markham's goal.

0-10 to 0-6 in front, a long Davy Fitzgerald puck-out paved the way for the goal and a late haul of two points from Seanie McMahon and another from Tony Griffin has the Banner men on song.