Boss seeks finishing touch

Jim Magilton admitted Cliftonville lacked a clinical edge against Newry City yesterday but was happy to end a tough week on a winning note.

The Reds were rewarded for a bright start when Ronan Hale slammed in a 23rd minute opener but any hope that the floodgates would open thereafter slipped away as the visitors created some dangerous chances of their own and, with Magilton’s side profligate in front of goal, there was a nervousness as the contest drifted towards full-time.

“We’ve had all these chances and then the footballing gods give them two corners in injury-time and you just start to wonder,” said the Manager.

“We had to defend them and we did that, so there was relief but also an acknowledgement that we have to be more ruthless. Doing that gives you breathing space and a little bit more opportunity to be composed – but this game was just about winning.”

The victory got Cliftonville back on track following last Friday night’s Sports Direct Premiership defeat to Larne and midweek reversal against Dungannon Swifts in the BetMcLean Cup – an outcome that Magilton was particularly keen to atone for.

“We need to go deep into the Cups,” he said.

“I picked the team, I take full responsibility for team selection and it’s a learning curve for me. Whilst I have very experienced staff alongside me, the buck stops with me. Though I do credit Dungannon for playing very well, I was disappointed to go out of the Cup and we needed to give something back to our supporters today.

“I’d have loved to have played better and won by more goals, but we’ll take the 1-0.”