Eu Reds: Kalmar

One week ahead of Cliftonville’s opening Europa League battle with FC Nordsjælland, our mini series of continental anniversaries reflects on a milestone night in the Club’s history.

For it was on this very day back in 2012 that the Reds recorded their first ever European win at Solitude, when Kalmar of Sweden were beaten 1-0.

The Reds – bedecked in a black Euro kit for the occasion – saw a first-half Ciaran Caldwell goal disallowed before Ryan Catney almost embarrassed goalkeeper Etrit Berisha with an effort from distance.

The introduction of substitute Liam Boyce proved pivotal when, shortly after his arrival, the striker side-stepped a challenge on the edge of the box and stroked an inch-perfect left footed strike into the bottom corner – sparking celebrations that would grow all the more exhuberant 20 minutes later when the final whistle confirmed the Reds’ maiden success on home soil.

Seven days later, however, the Swedes would exact revenge seven days later with a 4-0 win at Guldfageln Arena, where keeper Berisha completed the tie’s scoring with a late penalty kick.