We weathered the storm, says boss

Paddy McLaughlin said Cliftonville had one objective for yesterday’s trip to Carrick Rangers – booking a spot in the quarter-finals of the Samuel Gelston’s Whiskey Irish Cup.

Substance was always likely to be prioritised over style in blustery conditions on a rapidly deteriorating pitch at the Loughview Leisure Arena, where Ronan Doherty’s scrambled finish nine minutes from time ultimately settled the issue.

The Reds had enjoyed long stretches of control in the game but, as McLaughlin noted, they also demonstrated a willingness to work hard and earn their place in the competition’s last-eight.

“The most important thing in a Cup match is getting through to the next round and the boys battled in atrocious conditions,” he said.

“Their work rate and determination was superb. But credit to both sets of players, they all worked their socks off. But for us it’s a clean sheet and a win, so a good day at the office.

“We spurned a couple of chances but the relief did come when we eventually scored.

“It’s Important we score goals from all over the pitch. Colin Coates hit the crossbar, Jamie McDonagh has been among the goals recently, so it was good to see someone else contributing, especially from the middle of the park.”

Cliftonville’s progress might have been a little more straightforward had an earlier strike not been controversially ruled out. A spot of pinball inside the penalty area ended with Ryan Curran rifling in a low drive which came back off the base of the post before finding the net via Doherty’s touch from close range.

Despite initially awarding the goal, referee Raymond Crangle consulted with his assistant Ken Ross – who had also been content for the strike to stand – before belatedly ruling that Doherty had been in an offside position when he converted.

McLaughlin, though, was content with the officials’ clarification.

“Every day’s a learning day,” he added. “The referee explained everything to the players. The refs have taken grief over the last few weeks so fair play to him for making the right call this time.”