Candy caned

Cliftonville 1-2 Derry City

Cliftonville slipped to defeat in an entertaining friendly with Derry City at Solitude this evening.

Leading through a superbly-taken Kris Lowe effort, the Reds were pegged back when William Fitzgerald took advantage of a miscue from goalkeeper Declan Dunne, while further defensive hesitancy saw James Akintunde put the Candystripes in front before half-time.

Despite losing the game, there was plenty for boss Paddy McLaughlin to be positive about on a night that three players – Joe Gormley, Daniel Kearns and Jamie McDonagh – had goals ruled out for offside, while McDonagh and Aaron Donnelly blasted efforts against the woodwork in addition to visiting keeper Jack Lemoignan making superb saves to thwart Gormley, Chris Curran and, right at the finish, Calvin McCurry.

Full report to follow…