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Second helpings

Paddy McLaughlin was delighted with how Cliftonville heeded his half-time message in yesterday’s Danske Bank Premiership victory over Glenavon.

Ahead after just three minutes when Joe Gormley picked his spot with a fine finish, the Reds were pegged back by Andy Hall during a first-half in which the visitors failed to hit the heights they’re capable of reaching.

Within seconds of the second period starting, however, it was evident that supporters were set to be treated to a very different Cliftonville display – one which was duly rewarded with Ruaidhri Donnelly’s delightful winner on the hour.

“I’m delighted with how we played in the second-half,” said McLaughlin.

“The first-half was a bit scrappy and there wasn’t much between the two sides, but we came out in the second-half and we played to our strengths.

“We could maybe have won by more than one goal and it would have been nice to have the security of a two-goal lead but we defended very well when Glenavon put us under pressure.

“The full-backs worked hard to stop Glenavon putting balls into the middle but, when they did get them over, the two boys in the middle – Garry Breen and Jamie Harney – dealt with things brilliantly.”

Though the ecstatic travelling support revelled in Donnelly’s eye-catching winner, the Manager admitted he didn’t know too much about it.

“I think I must have looked away for a second,” he explained.

“We had a throw-in and I’ve turned back towards the dugout or looked the other way and the next thing I know, I’m watching the ball fly into the top corner.

“It was a good strike, so I’m told, but that’s the sort of thing Ruaidhri is capable of and he deserves credit for getting us the win in that fashion.”