Top of the Town

Paddy McLaughlin admits Cliftonville temporarily lost control of yesterday’s clash with Warrenpoint Town but acknowledged his players’ response to winning it back.

Two goals up inside nine minutes thanks to finishes from Levi Ives and Ryan Curran, the Reds were pegged back before half-time when Jonny Addis’ own goal drew the Point level in the aftermath of Simon Byrne reducing the arrears.

Just a few days on from a gruelling extra-time victory over Portadown on an energy-sapping Shamrock Park pitch, Cliftonville powered back again with Curran restoring the advantage before substitute Daniel Kearns wrapped things up with an inch-perfect lob late on.

“We were in control of the game early on but credit to Warrenpoint because after they scored, they put us on the back foot for the rest of the first-half,” said McLaughlin.

“There were a few strong words said at half-time and we were delighted with the response.”

Two-goal Curran produced another inspirational display in attack and, having recently welcomed both Ives and Conor McDermott – who enjoyed a late cameo from the bench – back to the fold, McLaughlin was quick to praise the trio’s efforts.

“The goal from Ryan to make it 3-2 was massive for us,” he added. “In big moments in games, he stands up and produces. He’s one of the top players in the country.

“Levi is back from a bad injury and ran himself into the ground for the team. His performance and quality is unrivalled in that position and it’s also great to have Conor McDermott back. That’s his first game in 10 months. He has got his head down and is working his socks off.”