Eclipse of the start

Cliftonville 3-1 Newry City

Cliftonville recovered from an early setback to claim maximum points from this evening’s Danske Bank Premiership encounter with Newry City.

Trailing to a Darragh Noonan goal after just four minutes, the Reds hit back through Rory Donnelly and Joe Gormley before Ryan Curran completed the scoring in a devastating eight-minute spell that proved sufficient to earn the hosts a fourth straight League win.

The opened the scoring Noonan touched the ball home from close range after Stephen Hughes’ effort had been charged down by Ryan Catney just inside the box.

Cliftonville levelled on 27 minutes through Donnelly from a Chris Curran lay-off before, just after the half-hour mark, Gormley edged the Reds in front when he pounced to convert a superb delivery from strike partner Donnelly.

Then, three minutes after that, the hosts extended their advantage thanks to Ryan Curran, who was on hand to smash home a Levi Ives corner.

Cliftonville might have made it 4-1 early in the second half but Chris Curran could only turn the ball when despite being through on goal while Coleman did well to deny Rory Donnelly.

Newry did have their opportunities but a failing in front of goal meant they never really threatened Cliftonville’s lead.

Dale Montgomery came close but his finish was turned over by Richard Brush, Mark Hughes fired too high after working his way into the area while Tiarnan Rushe had a late effort blocked.

Cliftonville: Brush, McGovern, Ives, Breen, C Curran, R Curran, R Donnelly, Catney, Gormley, J Donnelly, Lavery. Subs: Neeson, Harney (Breen, 76 minutes), Garrett (R Donnelly, 83 mins), McDonald (C Curran, 63 mins), Maguire, McMenamin, McNulty.

Half Gate Draw Number: 93417