Ticking point

Ryan Curran believes Cliftonville are “ticking along nicely” in the first half of the season and says it’s important to remain in touch at the top end of the Danske Bank Premiership over the Christmas and New Year period.

The Reds’ busy festive programme commences against Portadown at Solitude tomorrow and, while downcast to have lost to Coleraine in their BetMcLean Cup semi-final tie last time out, Curran insists he and his team-mates must remain focused on the challenges that lie in store.

“It was disappointing not to go through against Coleraine,” he says.

“I know we got beat on penalties but we probably didn’t do ourselves justice over the 90 minutes or the 120.

“We’re going well in the League and probably on track to where we were this time last year. It just so happens that there are other teams going well too.

“I think we’re ticking along nicely and there is a lot of games to be played. We’re not even at the halfway mark yet and we just want to be staying with the leaders for as long as possible.”

You can read the full Curran interview in tomorrow’s edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £3.

Carrying pre-match views from the Manager’s Office, The Red Eye’s 14th issue of the campaign assesses the Ports’ new-found confidence and steps 141, 39 and 26 years down memory lane – plus plenty more besides.

Cliftonville v Portadown
All-ticket
Adults: £12
Concessions: £8
Buy online: Here

Matchday Partners
Match Sponsor: Sean McClean
Matchball Sponsor: Sunflower Pub