Quick on the draw

Cliftonville’s 3-2 victory over Glentoran this afternoon confirmed the Club’s place in next season’s Europa League.

Two goals to the good courtesy of Rory Donnelly’s brace in the Europa League Play-Off Final at Solitude, the Reds were pegged back when Robbie McDaid reduced the arrears before a Curtis Allen penalty levelled matters – only for Joe Gormley to settle the issue with a late strike.

All of which means that, after missing out last year, the Reds will begin the 2018/19 campaign with continental commitments and boss Barry Gray – whose side will not be involved in the Preliminary Round of the Europa League – can look forward to the First Qualifying Round draw on Tuesday, June 19.