Test of team

Barry Gray was thrilled with a comprehensive team performance in Cliftonville’s 2-0 defeat of Glentoran at The Oval yesterday.

Though understandably fulsome in his praise for double goalscorer Rory Donnelly and hard-working strike partner Joe Gormley, the Manager was just as pleased with the contribution from right round the park.

“It was a good team display, it kept us solid and we won the battles around midfield,” he said.

“Bam [Neeson] and the backline weren’t under major pressure at any stage but, with a 1-0 scoreline, it’s always tricky to try and manage that out. The second goal came at a very good time for us, it gave us the last 10 minutes or so and we were able to enjoy it.

“It was fantastic for Rory to get the two goals – that’s what everyone wanted to see – and for Joe to be the supplier.

“You can see the partnership is starting to form now, we had some really nice green shoots from that perspective. Generally, the team set themselves a target four or five games ago and they’ve maintained that target. Full praise to them, they have to work hard every week and we’ll continue to work hard to make sure we can build on this going forward.”

The Reds have not enjoyed a particularly favourable record at the east Belfast venue in recent years but Gray insisted that did not impact on his team’s approach as they went in search of a sixth straight win in all competitions.

“I suppose I have to put on record that those stats aren’t my stats whether I like it or not. We didn’t play into our record, consider or talk about it at all. The boys got what we deserved, which was a very comprehensive win for us, a massive three points and a clean sheet.

“It’s easy for people to make comments and have their say from the outside. We work hand in hand with our players two or three times a week. We don’t always get it right and we won’t always get it right, but I said to Rory during the week I felt this was a game that was made for him in particular.

“It’s paid off for us and we’re delighted he got a couple of goals, it’s fantastic to see our strikers scoring goals, but I think we have to give special praise to Joe. He worked tirelessly in general play; the delivery for the first goal was a fantastic piece of individual play. While Joe wasn’t on the scoresheet, I think the two of them deserve major credit for their partnership this afternoon.”