We avon’t helped ourselves: Magilton

As pleased as he was with the outcome at Mourneview Park yesterday, Jim Magilton was less than content with the manner of Cliftonville’s victory over Glenavon.

Ahead at half-time courtesy of a sweeping Joe Gormley strike, the Reds doubled their advantage with a Shea Gordon finish that looked to have put the visitors on a straightforward course for three points.

However, a defensive lapse allowed James Doona to reduce the arrears and left Cliftonville navigating some nervy moments as the clock ticked down – as had been the case in last week’s Sports Direct Premiership opener with Portadown.

“That’s two games on the trot where we have allowed the opposition into the game when we should have been out of sight in terms of chances created,” reflected Magilton.

“We just had a little panic towards the end, but our standard of performance has to be better. We put ourselves under needless pressure.

“I accept it is only game two – I don’t care if it’s game 40 – we have to be better in terms of not giving the ball away and in terms of having all hands to the pumps at the end of games.

“I’m nitpicking because it’s the minute details. We gave the ball away needlessly for their goal, that encourages the opposition and we have to change that.

“I’m very hard on them. They’re sat in the dressing room afterwards going ‘I think we just won the game!’. It’s a difficult place to come and get a result, but my expectations are high and our standard of performance has to get better.”

While Gordon’s second-half strike saw him become the latest new addition to the Cliftonville goalscoring ranks, it was the man who leads the all-time list that set the Reds on their way and Magilton was full of praise for Gormley’s contribution.

“Joe’s one of the most instinctive finishers I’ve ever been around,” added the Manager. “His awareness of where the goal is, his technique and quality are as good as I’ve been around.

“He’s a wonderful finisher. We needed that. I thought we would go on again, but we didn’t. I know we can do better and that’s what we must demand of ourselves.”