Let’s Carri focus, urges Magilton

Jim Magilton insists Carrick Rangers’ recent travails count for nothing ahead of Cliftonville’s trip to Taylors Avenue tomorrow, because he’s aware that every difficult run always ends somewhere.

The Reds returned to winning ways by getting the better of Limavady United in the BetMcLean Cup on Tuesday night, but the Gers’ defeat to Queen’s University not only extended their recent losing streak but also spelt the end for Manager Stuart King – ingredients which Magilton insists will only add up to toughen the challenge his team will face.

“Going to Carrick proved difficult for us last year,” he said.

“You have to overcome lots of things, but mainly the quality in their team. You know that they are going to be a threat, you know that they have the physical capacity to really compete.

“They haven’t got off to a great start, but one result or a couple of results can change all that. It’s always a tough game, you’ve got to be aware of all the factors around that and come out and play to your own strengths.”

Cliftonville head to east Antrim with question marks still hanging over the fitness of Kris Lowe, Ryan Curran, Ruaidhri Donnelly, Joe Gormley, Shea Gordon, Conor Pepper and Luke Conlan, but Magilton takes a pragmatic approach to his squad’s escalating injury concerns.

“Being down bodies represents an opportunity for others who are waiting patiently to get a run,” he adds.

“If they do well then hopefully they can stay in the team. It will all come down to how we do in those games.”

Carrick Rangers v Cliftonville
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Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Two Adults & Two Under-16s: £40
One Adult & Three Under-16s: £36
One Adult & Two Under-16s: £28
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