A fighting chance

Paddy McLaughlin admits that the Europa Conference League first qualifying round draw could have been kinder to Cliftonville but says that tonight’s encounter with DAC will bring out his team’s fighting spirit.

The Reds return to continental action with a challenging first leg encounter at MOL Arena and, while respectful of the hosts’ strengths, boss McLaughlin says his players will not shy away from the task that awaits them.

“It’s a tough draw, especially from the possibilities that we could have had but that’s the way it is and we have to go and attack the game as best as we can,” he said.

“DAC have got a number of dangerous players, some seriously high calibre in their ranks and a few internationals in there too. But that’s part of the challenge and that’s what we’ll be telling the players – go and put yourself up against really top talent in European competition. They’re one of the top sides in Slovakia but there have been plenty of tough asks over the course of the last couple of years, especially last season when nobody really gave our boys too many chances but look what they did against the odds.

“It will be a tough game but these boys have been underdogs before and it seems to bring out the best in them. Every time we go in as an underdog, we come out fighting and produce massive performances and that’s what’s going to be required.”

One of the various motivations at play ahead of kick-off is the prospect of keeping the tie alive for the return leg in Belfast. Tickets for that game have been enthusiastically snapped up since sales began and McLaughlin would love to enhance the occasion by posting an encouraging result this evening.

“We know what Solitude can be like on a big European night, the place will be rocking and the Red Army will be out in force,” he added.

“It’s not just about tonight’s game, there are two legs to consider and we want to make sure we put in a performance that gives us a chance of going back to Solitude with a shot at progressing.”

Cliftonville will be roared on by more than 200 supporters who have plotted a course to Dunajska Streda via various stop-off points across Europe and, in hailing the fans’ commitment, revealed that his squad have been uplifted by social media updates from their journeys.

“It’s incredible, they’re an unbelievable bunch of fans,” he said.

“By hook or by crook, they’ve got here with connecting flights, cancelled flights, bus trips and train journeys. It’s incredible to see and some of the boys have been sharing videos of our fans enjoying a few well-earned beers in Slovakia while looking forward to the game – and I hope they enjoy them because they deserve them.”

Live stream
DAC v Cliftonville: Available here (£7)