A positive Turn

Cliftonville 1-0 Warrenpoint Town

Luke Turner’s first-half header ensured Cliftonville’s dominant performance was rewarded with three points against Warrenpoint Town this evening.

The central defender – who had earlier seen an effort ruled out for offside – was quickest to react after Ryan Curran’s 43rd minute header had come back off the crossbar and, though the Reds created chance after chance on the night, an inspired performance from visiting goalkeeper Stephen McMullan ensured the hosts were restricted to just a single goal.

Things might have been different had Rory Hale been able to steer an early attempt the right side of the post and, after seeing one effort flash across the face of goal, McDonagh was denied when McMullen did superbly to get down and stop his header.

After McDonagh went close again – the crossbar this time adding to his frustration – Turner had a header ruled out by the officials and McMullan did well to repel a Ronan Doherty snapshot.

Eventually, though, Cliftonville’s pressure told when a short corner from Levi Ives allowed McDonagh to send in a cross unchallenged and, when Curran’s header came back off the woodwork, Turner was there to apply the finishing touch.

McMullan continued to shine after the break, keeping McDonagh and substitute Joe Gormley out on two occasions each before a point-blank save stopped Jonny Addis from making it 2-0, with Gormley’s follow up disallowed for offside.

In the closing minutes, Chris Curran saw a fierce blast somehow turned over the top by the keeper and, while McDonagh did have the ball in the net soon later, another offside flag – this time against Addis – ensured that just one goal would prove the diference.

Cliftonville: McNicholas, Ives, Hale (Gormley, 62 mins), R Curran, McDonagh, Lowe, Addis, Doherty, Turner, Gallagher, Kearns (C Curran, 76 mins). Unused subs: McKenna, McDermott, O’Neill, Donnelly, Coates.