Lean and mean

Ahead of tonight’s first round tussle with Institute, Jim Magilton says Cliftonville will be going “all out” for the BetMcLean Cup this season.

Though the Reds come into the tie off the back of a frustrating home draw with Loughgall on Saturday, that result took their tally to 10 points from their last four Premiership outings, and Magilton is keen to keep building momentum while managing his squad’s playing time.

“One or two will play, I think we need to give one or two games,” he explains.

“But we’re going to go all-out for it. We’ll probably look at one or two who maybe need a bit of a rest but we’ll put as strong an XI out as we possibly can.”

One player who could be in contention – be it in the starting line-up or from the bench – is Stephen Mallon, who made his first appearance in 13 months during that weekend stalemate with the Villagers.

A 75th minute introduction, the winger had been sidelined with a quadricep tear picked up in August of last year and, as well as being pleased with his contribution to Saturday’s game, Magilton was simply happy to see Mallon back in the thick of things.

“I, fortunately, never had to go through that as a player, so I don’t know how they cope to be out for that length of time,” he adds.

“He showed tremendous courage to come back in and he deserves all the credit. He’s worked so hard, and I thought he was great.”

Supporters are reminded that, in addition to Members Tickets and Season Tickets not being valid, this evening’s game will now kick-off at the revised time of 8pm.

Cliftonville v Institute
All-ticket
Adults: £13
Concessions: £9
Buy online: Here
Members Tickets and Season Tickets NOT valid