Magilton lauds second helpings

Jim Magilton credited his players for never thinking the job was done in yesterday’s Sports Direct Premiership clash with Ballymena United.

Though Cliftonville claimed full points following a controlled performance against the Sky Blues, Magilton admitted it was only when Ronan Hale scored the security goal to add to Odhrán Casey’s opener that the Reds were able to breathe a bit more easily.

“It was a very committed performance,” said the Manager.

“I thought we moved the ball pretty well in very difficult conditions. We were in good control and, really, it was only if we got complacent that we would have had a problem.

“Things got a little bit sloppy for a brief period in the second-half but we got back on top of things again and we were good value for the win, there’s no doubt about that.

“We knew Ballymena were going to be very difficult to break down and they were. We created some really good opportunities, but our final ball probably wasn’t necessarily the best but, certainly, we’re delighted with the result.”

Magilton also toasted a goalscoring run that has seen Hale net seven times in his last seven outings as part of an overall season’s tally of eight strikes in just nine appearances since returning from injury – but could not laud his latest finish without also toasting the Ben Wilson pass that laid the opportunity on a plate.

“Ronan’s on some form at the minute,” he smiled.

“That’s great for him and great for us. He’s been fantastic since he came back and his latest goal came after a magnificent run but it was also a magnificent pass from Ben to pick him out.”