David Clifford scoring masterclass secures Sigerson semi-final spot for UL

University of Limerick 2-12 Queen’s University, Belfast 0-13

Kerry's David Clifford maintained his prolific scoring form in the Electric Ireland Sigerson Cup with 2-4 to help secure UL's semi-final place.

The Kerry star, who came into the contest with 3-11 from just two games, led the destruction of Queen’s with a thrilling display at Abbotstown.

The former Kerry captain struck 1-1 in the first half as tournament favourites UL kept tabs initially with eight-times champions Queen’s.

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Clifford then hit the afterburners and reeled off 1-3 without reply between the 37th and 44th minutes to effectively kill off Conor Deegan’s Queen’s.

Clifford’s first goal was a beauty as he slalomed in from the right side and blasted low and left-footed to the net, though UL still trailed 1-4 to 0-8 at half-time.

Armagh's Conor Turbitt impressed for Queen's with 0-8 overall but Clifford's second goal, when he palmed in after a short Queen's kick-out was turned over, put UL in the clear.

UL: C Flaherty; J Coyne, C Donnelly, P Maher; O Looney, S Powter, E McLaughlin; C Dempsey, D Walsh; C Downes, E McMahon (0-2), D Gray; D Clifford (2-4, one 45), P Towey, D O'Sullivan (0-6, five frees).

Subs: P Walsh for Clifford (44-48 mins), C Igoe for Gray (40), Walsh for O'Sullivan (56), S McDonnell for Looney (61).

QUEEN'S: E Mulholland; S Bolger, R Conroy, P Fagan; G Brown, M Murnaghan, P Brooks (0-1); R Donnelly, T Bogue; F Canavan, O Mallon, B Campbell; K Hughes (0-2, one free), C Turbitt (0-8, five frees, one 45), A McAvoy.

Subs: S McCarthy for Conroy (9 mins), C Gorman for Hughes (42), C Love (0-1, free) for Mallon (44), P Finnegan (0-1) for Canavan (53).

Referee: D Gough (Meath).