Buoy wonders

Jim Magilton says the only thing Cliftonville can carry into tonight’s game from the weekend is confidence – but has warned that Newry City will be in a similarly positive frame of mind.

While the Reds were getting their Sports Direct Premiership programme off and running with a 3-0 victory over Glenavon, City were clocking up a 2-0 win at Carrick Rangers to atone for the disappointment of their opening day reverse at the hands of Loughgall and, ahead of this evening’s showdown at The Showgrounds, Magilton says he expects a stern test.

“We’re pleased with how we started the season but we know it’s only one game and there were things within it that we know we can improve on,” he explained.

“There are areas we can be better in and we will be better in, and I know the players feel the same because they’re the ones that set the standards among themselves.

“It’s always good to get the first game out of the way, especially if you win it, because you take the confidence from that with you into the next game and hope you can use it to build another performance.

“We know Newry’s going to be a tough one, especially because they’ll also be coming into it off the back of a really good win on Saturday. Both teams will be buoyed by good wins at the weekend, so we know we’re facing a team in confident mood.

“The way we played against Glenavon, particularly in the first-half, is something for us to build upon and improve because we know there were parts of the match where we could have been punished. Having worked with the players for a couple of months, I know they can be more ruthless and that’s one of the things we’ll be looking for.”

Newry City v Cliftonville
Adults: £13
Concessions: £9
Ages 12-16: £5
Under 11s: £1 (when accompanied by a paying adult)
Tickets: Here
Cash turnstiles also available