We must be on the Ball: Stewart

Sean Stewart says Cliftonville must be wary of a newly buoyant Ballymena United when the teams go head to head at Solitude tomorrow.

Little more than a month has passed since the sides last locked horns but, in contrast to entering that clash amid both a lengthy winless streak and significant goal drought, the Sky Blues will this time report for duty off the back of a recent upturn in fortunes.

Though defeated by Dungannon Swifts last Saturday, Jim Ervin’s side had previously pieced three consecutive wins together and Stewart expects them to approach this latest assignment in a positive frame of mind.

“Both games against Ballymena have been tough this season and both times we’ve just edged them out,” says the 20-year-old Norwich City loanee.

“We have to respect them. They are a good team and they’ll be ready for the challenge and I’m sure they’ll be coming to Solitude with the mindset that they can get something from the game.

“We just have to stick to our guns, stick to our game plan and play the football we’ve been playing lately and hopefully that will get us over the line”

You can read the full Stewart interview in tomorrow’s edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £3.

Carrying Jim Magilton’s pre-match views from the Manager’s Office, The Red Eye’s 12th issue of the campaign looks back on United’s recent revival as well as providing your latest player poster – plus plenty more besides.

Cliftonville v Ballymena United
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