Magilton: It’s just magnificent

Jim Magilton saluted Cliftonville’s “character and mental fortitude” after ending 45 years of Irish Cup heartache with yesterday’s sensational victory over Linfield.

Trailing 1-0 at the end of a first-half that had seen the Reds lose the services of both David Odumosu and Odhran Casey to injury, Magilton’s side roared through the gears in the second period to equalise through Sam Ashford before two extra-time finishes from Ronan Hale secured the silverware.

“I was never in doubt that we had the potential to win big games this season,” beamed the boss.

“Beating Larne in the Cup semi-final was massive for us and I felt we could win this game even though we were up against an excellent Linfield side. It’s as great a victory as I’ve ever had in my football life. It’s just magnificent.

“I thought the team showed great character and mental fortitude.

“We are very good on the ball but we weren’t for the first 20 minutes. You feel helpless when you are standing on the touchline and we had to regroup at half-time and improve and we did that.

“That’s testimony to the players and the energy from the crowd also lifted the team. I think our boys fed off that.”

Not only did the Red Army’s long-awaited celebrations start before the final whistle had sounded, they kicked off well in advance of Hale’s second goal as the striker gleefully raced down the pitch towards an empty net in the closing minutes of extra-time – a moment that Magilton joined the supporters in savouring.

“I was going to kill him!” he joked.

“He had gone down with cramp and I thought he’s going to fall over and he’s giving it all that. I thought he was going to do a Devon Loch.

“No, seriously, I was actually quite calm in that moment which is not like me at all. The rest of them went ballistic and the whole bench emptied but for me it was the realisation that we had won the Irish Cup.

“I have to say it was brilliant for Ronan to score twice in the Final and his first goal was phenomenal. He has that magic in his boots.

“I was also pleased for Sam to score because it was a big call starting him. I always felt we had goals in us which proved to be the case.

“To think where we started to where we have finished this season is incredible. The journey has been amazing.”