Hang tough

Jim Magilton says Cliftonville must produce a high level of performance if they are to get the better of Carrick Rangers in a “notoriously tough” contest this evening.

The Reds make their third visit of the season to the Loughview Leisure Arena and, with one win and one defeat under their belts at the east Antrim venue, are well versed in the kind of challenge they will face from the Gers.

“It is a notoriously tough game,” said Magilton.

“Carrick make it tough and I don’t expect anything different.

“We know that they have plenty of qualities and strengths. We just need to be well aware of that, but then we have to go and perform and perform to our levels and we’ll see what happens.”

The hosts enter the clash on the back of an impressive win at Coleraine, while Cliftonville maintained their recent form with victory over Ballymena United last time out, leaving Magilton anticipating a feisty battle between two motivated sides.

“They had a fantastic away result and, again, that’s a really tough game to go and get a result,” he added.

“They will be very confident and buoyant and we have to try and quell that. We’ve been winning games of football and we’re generally playing very well. We picked up another three points last week, so we will be going there looking for the opportunity to go and get another three points.”

Carrick Rangers v Cliftonville
Tickets on sale
Adults: £13
Concessions: £9
Buy online: Here
Cash turnstiles in operation