Crossword Genius

One taken by northern clubs as a prisoner? (2,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

in irons

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'a prisoner?' is the definition.
I know nothing about this answer so I can't tell whether it can be defined by this definition.

'one taken by northern clubs' is the wordplay.
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'taken by' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'northern' becomes 'n' (abbreviation e.g. N. Ireland).
'clubs' becomes 'irons' (iron is a kind of club).
'i'+'n'+'irons'='IN IRONS'

'as' is the link.

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