Responsible response

Paddy McLaughlin was pleased with the spirit Cliftonville showed in seeing off Newry City during yesterday’s Danske Bank Premiership encounter at The Showgrounds.

Having required 75 minutes to make the breakthrough courtesy of Ronan Hale’s acrobatic finish, the Reds saw their advantage wiped out almost instantly when Donal Scullion struck for the hosts, only to respond with another goal of their own when Ryan Curran made a telling connection with Joe Gormley’s cushioned header.

“Fair play to our boys, they stuck with it,” reflected McLaughlin.

“They kept plugging away and got us a lead, lost the lead and then regained it. It takes a lot of character to do that. They could have let their heads go down when we conceded that equaliser, but they refused to give up and managed to find another gear and dug out that second goal.

“It’s important that we gather as many points as we can and try to stay in contention for the European places. All points that we gather between now and the end of the season could be vital.”