Cruel runnings

Jim Magilton bemoaned football’s propensity for cruelty as he reflected on Cliftonville’s defeat to Linfield in last night’s Sports Direct Premiership clash at Solitude.

Despite a largely dominant performance that saw the Reds denied on numerous occasions by visiting goalkeeper Chris Johns either side of Ben Wilson rattling the post, Magilton’s side came away with nothing to show for their efforts courtesy of Chris McKee capitalising on a defensive error with 12 minutes remaining.

“I was very pleased with and very proud of our performance,” said the boss.

“Linfield are League leaders, they’ve been so consistently good over so many years, but we were good on the night. Were we fantastic? No but, on a very difficult night to play, I thought we moved the ball really well at times and created some great opportunities.

“I thought we were on the front foot from the get-go and just didn’t get our rewards and that’s the cruel nature of this game, and especially playing against real quality. In other games, we’ve waited on chances and been able to take them whereas here, Linfield waited on one chance and Luke Turner – who I thought was terrific all night – just gets under the ball a bit and, unfortunately, it falls to Chris McKee, who finished very well.

“I never felt we were in trouble, especially in the second-half; I felt very comfortable in the game in terms of us dominating. Our two wing backs are two babies in terms of League experience but I thought they were so brave and they were great against some top players.

“Our back three were never really challenged other than the one moment, so it’s a cruel game but it doesn’t take away from the fact that our lads’ attitude, application to stay in the game and really go after a team that are used to winning – and winning Championships – was pleasing.

“The coaching staff will pick the bones out of it and we’ll be back at it on Monday and the positive vibes that we’ve created with those players is such that we’ll get ready again for next week.”

Alongside that raft of near misses, Cliftonville also felt they should have had a first-half penalty after Wilson dispossessed the keeper only to see his cross charged down by defender Euan East, with referee Shane Andrews waving away handball claims.

“I thought that, overall, the referee had a really good game, I thought he officiated pretty well – but I just think it’s a penalty,” added Magilton.

“That changes the course of the game positively for us. I don’t know why it wasn’t given and someone has to explain that to me. It’s that old adage about goals changing games and I just think it’s a handball, it’s inside the box, it’s a penalty kick.”