Rodgers rifles over equaliser as Donegal claim draw in Division 2 opener in Clare 

The long journey southwards to the Banner County ended with honours even as Donegal's Roisin Rodgers, with virtually the last kick of the game, sealed a draw in the opening round of their opening LGFA Lidl National League Division 2 fixture.

The game, after being moved from Doonbeg to Clarecastle's new astroturf facility, saw scores at a premium as Donegal started the match aided by a stiff wind at their backs that died considerably in the second half.

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Shannon McLaughlin had the opening score of the game under new manager James Daly, before former Aussie Rules player Ailish Considine equalised for the home side. Susanne White kicked over a 10th-minute free as they exerted great pressure on the Clare backs but could not score the much-needed goal with the wind to their advantage.

The impressive Eva Gallagher in the 13th minute kicked her side's third score but somehow Donegal stalled when in the ascendancy and allowed Clare to get a head of steam, with Chloe Moloney narrowing the Clare deficit to the minimum.

The final five minutes saw the last scores from Susanne White and Cait Gillespie as the visitors led 0-5 to 0-2 but now had to take on the elements for the second half. 

Clare was on the front foot early on but could not score and hit the post and crossbar with two different attacks as they hit seven wides during the game.

Ten minutes elapsed in the second half before the first score was seen as Fidelma Marrinan put herself on the scoresheet just before the only goal of the game arrived.

A superb ball sent in by Chloe Moloney found Marrinan but her initial effort was saved by Clare Friel in the nets, however, the rebound fell to Ailish Considine who blasted home from five metres.

Donegal did not surrender as Eva Gallagher hit back with a well-taken score to level proceedings entering the final quarter. 

Marrinan was on hand with a lead score for Clare but the home side were unable to go two clear as they retreated into their own half in the final minutes.

In the final moments of the game, Clare coughed up possession as Rodgers took possession, drilling through the heart of the Clare defence and sending over the equaliser.

It was fortunate for Donegal and annoying for Clare but maybe the most honourable result on the day. 

Clare scorers: Ailish Considine 1-1, Fidelma Marrinan 0-2, Chloe Moloney 0-1. 
Donegal scorers: Susanne White 0-2, 1f; Eva Gallagher 0-2, Shannon McLaughlin; Roisin Rodgers, Cait Gillespie 0-1 each. 

Clare: Aoife Griffin; Shauna Melican, Grainne Harvey, Rebecca Doohan; Louise Griffin, Joanna Doohan, Roisin Considine; Caoimhe Harvey, Roisin Martin; Theresa Collins, Megan Downes, Aine Keane; Fidelma Marrinan, Ailish Considine, Chloe Moloney. Subs: Edel McNamara for Martin, Ellie Hanrahan for Downes, Emer Burke for Considine, Hannah Doyle for Collins, 

Donegal: Clare Friel; Shauna McFadden, Abigail Temple Asokuh, Evelyn McGinley; Shannon McLaughlin, Niamh Boyle, Niamh Carr; Roisin Rodgers, Rhianna McColgan; Cait Gillespie, Katie Dowds, Ava Walsh; Mia Bennett, Susanne White, Eva Gallagher. Subs: Abbie McGranaghan for McLaughlin, Jodie McFadden for McFadden, Feena McManamon for Bennett, Leeza Cunningham for Walsh, Niamh Harkin for McColgan. 

Referee: Gus Chapman (Sligo)