Competition prizes for Magilton

Jim Magilton commended the attitude and application of his players following Cliftonville’s convincing victory over Loughgall.

First-half goals from Joe Gormley, Kris Lowe and Jonny Addis had the Reds in full control at Lakeview Park, where Taylor Steven emerged from the bench to bank a double after Nathaniel Ferris had pulled one back for the hosts.

“I’m delighted with how we approached the game,” said Magilton.

“We looked really sharp and competition drives that. We have real competition for places which is something that we talked about in the build-up to the game and we started really well, which was important for us, and obviously scoring goals breeds confidence.

“We knew there was going to be a reaction in the second-half, but I thought we controlled the flow and the tempo of the game really well.

“This is a difficult place to come because they’re set up so well – well coached, well drilled, the players all understand their roles and responsibilities – and you know you have to see out an early storm and then come back with a bit more quality.

“I thought we passed the ball really well and some of the goals we scored were really fantastically well worked and overall, it was a really pleasing performance.”

The contest ended with a minor dispute when Steven completed his brace by tapping into an unguarded goal in injury-time; the Scotsman wary that fellow sub Ryan Corrigan’s initial shot may not have been goalbound.

“Young Ryan Corrigan is completely on the floor!,” joked Magilton.

“He did say it was going to hit the post and he just had to make sure – but I’m not so sure, so they can fight amongst themselves.”