Working class

Paddy McLaughlin was proud of Cliftonville’s spirit, focus and discipline in last night’s Europa Conference League encounter with DAC.

The Reds went down 2-1 at MOL Arena, where Ronan Hale’s debut goal ensures the first qualifying round tie remains very much alive ahead of next week’s return leg at Solitude – much to McLaughlin’s delight.

“Giving our fans here a reward and giving our fans back home something to look forward to means so much to us,” he said.

“The players worked their socks off from start to finish against high calibre opposition and I couldn’t be prouder of them. The boys had to work very, very hard to keep their shape and discipline off the ball and they did it superbly right throughout the game.

“They never lost focus and they weren’t afraid to have a go when the opportunity was there. Every one of them – from the starting team through to the subs – put in a serious shift and gave it everything they had. You’re obviously never happy to lose any game but it’s a scoreline that means there’s everything to play for next week and I think everybody associated with the Club is already looking forward to a big European night at Solitude.”

Though attentions have already turned that return leg with DAC, McLaughlin couldn’t let last night’s reflections pass without paying tribute to the Reds fans who made the trip to Slovakia.

“It’s incredible support,” he added.

“They always back us in their numbers but to do it here, so far away from home, is different class and they made themselves heard throughout the game. The boys really appreciate that support and I think we saw at the end of the game that players and supporters both appreciated each other’s efforts throughout the match.”