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Reward was deserved: Paddy

Paddy McLaughlin saluted Cliftonville’s determination to ensure they weren’t left to rue missed opportunities against Glentoran last night.

The Reds bossed possession throughout the encounter at The Oval but, after having two efforts cleared off the line and twice coming agonisingly close through Joe Gormley in the first-half alone, they looked poised to end the evening with just a point to show for their efforts, with Ruaidhri Donnelly and Conor McMenamin each going close after the break before Gormley’s late header settled the issue.

“We could have made it easier for ourselves as we had so many chances,” said McLaughlin.

“We had to wait for it, but the boys got the reward they deserved.”

Cliftonville found opportunities harder to come by in the aftermath of Glens striker Darren Murray picking up a second yellow card for twice defying referee Steven Gregg’s directions to leave the pitch while being substituted, but the Manager was delighted they stuck to their task.

“The sending off was the worst thing that could happen for us because Glentoran regrouped, dropped off and were prepared to soak up the pressure,” he added.

“They decided to fight for the point, which you do when you are down to 10 men. It made it even more frustrating for us, but thankfully Joe got us what we deserved late on.”