Let’s Lough lively

As Cliftonville prepare to return to Sports Direct Premiership action with tomorrow’s trip to Loughgall, Jim Magilton says that ongoing work on the training pitch has been geared towards establishing the team’s identity.

A combination of transfer activity and injury problems means an often chopped and changed Reds side has stepped out from one week to the next but the recent international break has afforded a degree of stability to preparations for this weekend’s encounter at Lakeview Park.

“We know we’ve got good players here,” says Magilton, who oversaw 11 arrivals during the summer transfer window.

“It’s about getting back into that mindset of our own identity and that is really important.”

On the postponement of last Saturday’s scheduled clash with Coleraine, he adds: “I would like to have had the game in honesty. There is an argument for both, it gives us an opportunity to get these lads settled.

“It’s important that we get them embedded into the Club and really show them what we are all about as well.”

Cliftonville won both of last season’s away days against Loughgall, with Magilton particularly enthused by the manner of December’s victory over the Villagers.

“They are going to make things difficult,” he continues. “We played extremely well down there in our 4-1 win last season. I felt it was one of our best performances away from home and we’ve got to get back to that.

“It’s about hard work, grafting and getting back to basics and relishing the hard work because that’s what it’s going to take.”

Supporters information
This is an all-ticket fixture
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Under-12s: £1
Tickets: General Sale