Corri on regardless
Bangor 0-1 Cliftonville
Ryan Corrigan hit an injury-time winner to reward Cliftonville’s patience in this evening’s BetMcLean Cup second round clash with Bangor.
Despite dominating possession throughout the game at Clandeboye Park, the Reds were unable to fashion too many clear-cut openings until the final minute when Corrigan showed composure to step inside a challenge and slot home from just inside the box.
Prior to that, the closest the visitors had come to making the breakthrough was when Rory Hale clattered a first-half attempt against the woodwork, with Joe Gormley and Ryan Curran also going close before the break.
In the second period, Micheal Glynn and Taylor Steven threatened with decent opportunities, Bangor keeper Benjamin Fry intercepted Ruaidhri Donnelly’s knockdown before Corrigan could pounce and Ryan Markey was unlucky to see an attempt whistle wide.
At the other end, Lewis Ridd fielded a header from Kyle Owens before Caomhan McGuinness – brother of Cliftonville Ladies stars Kirsty, Caitlin and Orleigha – curled an attempt wide.
Fry’s save from Michael Newberry looked to have sent the contest to extra-time only for the Reds to win it when Hale’s perfectly weighted ball into Corrigan’s feet saw the substitute take control and sweep low into the bottom corner.
The Seasiders did have one last chance to level matters but Ridd safely gathered Ben Arthurs’ header to make sure of a quarter-final berth.
Cliftonville: Ridd, Pepper (Piesold, 85 mins), Newberry, Pettifer (Corrigan, 59 mins) , Kearney, Hale, Curran (Donnelly, 59 mins), Conlan, Gormley (Markey, 73 mins) , Glynn, Steven (Berry, 73 mins). Unused subs: Odumosu, Addis.