Lyttle time to waste

Gerard Lyttle wants Cliftonville to draw a line under Saturday’s chastening defeat to Larne by using the experience to sharpen focus for the rest of the season – starting with tonight’s clash with Crusaders.

The Reds make the short journey to Seaview for the fourth and final North Belfast Derby of the campaign and, on the back of an uncharacteristic display at the weekend, Assistant Manager Lyttle – who was front and centre due to boss Jim Magilton’s touchline ban – anticipates a much improved display.

“We did not get going and made mistakes,” he reflected.

“The fundamentals and basics were not there, the hard work and graft you need to show as well as lifting your shoulders up.

“I think we felt sorry for ourselves. Once Ronan (Hale) got sent off, we didn’t stick together and we have been very good at that this season.”

Lyttle, who issued an apology to supporters in the aftermath of the game, has backed the players to produce a positive reaction.

“Hopefully it’s just one of those bad days and maybe it could be a blessing, I don’t know, leading up to what is ahead for us,” he added. “We play our derby rivals next and that’s a game where you always have to turn up and perform.

“We did not expect Saturday to happen. It wasn’t acceptable but we will regroup.”

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