| STRIKEBACK | Support behind offensive footballer almost getting to retaliate? (6,4) |
| ATTACKER | Offensive footballer? (8) |
| HITBACK | Thump spine to retaliate? (3,4) |
| KICKBACK | An inducement to retaliate? |
| CROONER | English footballer almost interrupting credit for singer (7) |
| MESSUP | Blunder from star footballer, almost winning (4,2) |
| GOLDPLATING | Good former French footballer, almost dying, finally adding expensive cover |
| SECONDWIND | Needed to retaliate when opponent gets the first blow? (6,4) |
| IMPRIMATUR | Troublemaker, Irish revolutionary, with age almost getting approval (10) |
| TRENCHANT | Keen wind almost getting to sing (9) |
| HEIGH | Cry when almost getting to the top |
| APROPOS | A professional with mail almost getting to the point |
| AFTER | Right to leave roof support behind (5) |
| TAKEREVENGE | Opinion on priest, English, beginning to emerge and retaliate? (4,7) |
| CHEEKS | Sides of faces individuals are said to turn when refusing to retaliate to metaphorical slaps (6) |
| REPRISAL | In order to retaliate give praise to both left and right (8) |
| RETORT | ... and is about to run, at the end, to retaliate (6) |
| BACKSEAT | Support behind inferior position (4-4) |
| BACKSEATDRIVER | Support behind club, non-executive director? (4-4,6) |
| SETTEE | Support behind television - or in front of it! |
