Paddy’s split mood

Paddy McLaughlin says Cliftonville’s form throughout 2021 so far means they have every right to approach the Danske Bank Premiership’s post-split programme with confidence.

With 14 wins and seven draws to their name in 24 fixtures since the turn of the year, the Reds travel to Coleraine tomorrow seeking the points that would narrow the gap on the top three – and McLaughlin believes they are capable.

“The Showgrounds is a difficult venue for any away side, but we did well up there earlier in the season and were probably unlucky not to have won it,” he says.

“Coleraine are a good team and they obviously have their own ambitions to play for, but we’ll go there in a positive frame of mind and look to build on the performances and results we’ve had over the last number of months.

“The players have been excellent, the intensity they’ve played with has been a credit to them during a tough schedule and, though we’ve obviously had a few results we weren’t happy with, that’s the nature of football, but our general form has been very good.

“In the last month or so in particular, we’ve scored a lot of goals and we look a real threat going forward, while I think our defence has done really well when you consider all the injuries and chopping and changing that has gone on back there.

“There’s an upbeat mood around the place and we go into every game believing we can win it and, as tough as it will obviously be, the one at Coleraine is no different.”