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Scar to settle

While naturally irritated to have conceded so late on against Carrick Rangers, boss Paddy McLaughlin is hopeful that Cliftonville’s victory will have exorcised the demons of their recent draw with Ballymena United.

Just a couple of weeks have passed since the Reds shipped two goals in the closing three minutes to turn a comfortable Showgrounds success into a disappointing draw with the Sky Blues, and Cricky Gallagher’s own goal at the Loughview Leisure Arena last night set up a nervy finale that saw the visitors cling on for a 3-2 victory courtesy of Ronan Doherty’s double and a fierce blast from substitute Joe Gormley.

With Cliftonville’s supporters no doubt still harbouring memories of that recent setback, McLaughlin believes it’s only natural for it to have likewise crossed his players’ minds but was pleased to secure back-to-back victories over the Gers just days after enjoying Irish Cup progress in east Antrim.

“It’s probably a wee bit of a mental scar that we all have, but managing the situation and getting the win will help ease that,” he reflected.

“We were comfortable for long periods of the game, we just got nervous at the end but, like I say, that’s a mental scar from a few weeks back but hopefully holding out and getting the result will put that to bed.

“We scored some good goals, but we’re disappointed with the ones we conceded – two crossed balls, we’re usually good with that kind of stuff, especially from set pieces. Defending set pieces isn’t something we’ve been weak on at any stage of the season, so it’s something we’ll work on and improve but we’re delighted to come out on the right end of what was a five-goal thriller, I suppose.

“It’s really difficult coming to the same ground within the space of a few days but to do that and work as hard as they did and get another win, you’ve got to give the boys all the credit in the world.”