Waterford now lie in pole position on scoring difference - thanks to a heavy beating of Dublin at Walsh Park - but the Banner men can still earn the kinder quarter-final draw with a win over the Deise next Saturday in Ennis.

Tonight's victory, who secured their path through to the last eight, was decided on a controversial late free from Seanie McMahon, when it looked for long like the spoils would be Offaly's.

The Faithfuls led 1-10 to 0-7 at the break in Portlaoise thanks to a fiery display from the home side. The first half was full of fast and furious championship hurling and Offaly thrived on it. Michael Cordial and Clare's Clon Lynch even received yellow cards before the throw-in.

An early run of three straight points from Brendan Murphy and Brian Carroll (0-2) had Offaly on song, but Niall Gilligan replied for the Banner to level the game at 0-5 apiece on 24 minutes.

Four minutes later, Offaly struck for their goal - a high, dropping ball from Carroll was pounced on by Dylan Hayden who whacked the sliotar home from close range.

Late points from Gary Hanniffy and goalkeeper Brian Mullins - who amazingly stepped up to hit a free over from his own half - saw Offaly hold firm before the break despite Gilligan's sixth point.

Crucially, Offaly missed a goal shot through Aidan Hanrahan off the post on the restart and minutes later, Clare took full advantage to poach their own goal when Tony Griffin latched onto a Colin Lynch clearance to net.

Incredibly, Offaly only scored one second half point, from a Carroll free, and points from McMahon, Alan Markham, Davy Hoey and Gilligan had the sides level by the 63rd-minute.

The point which decided the match was shrouded in controversy. With two minutes left, Hanrahan was whistled up for picking what seemed a bouncing ball off the ground, and McMahon held his nerve to point the winner.