Time to risk our Lough

Jim Magilton admits Cliftonville have to take more risks when they find themselves in situations as frustrating as last Saturday’s encounter with Ballymena United.

Despite dominating possession throughout, the Reds were unable to break down a disciplined defensive display from the Sky Blues who, for the second time this season, absorbed waves of pressure to emerge from Solitude with a 1-0 victory.

Glenavon also bagged a point in similar circumstances just over a month ago and, ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Loughgall, Magilton outlined the importance of Cliftonville getting the balance right at both ends of the pitch.

“You have to be defensively strong and resilient, and we have to find ways to beat the low block,” he said.

“We have to be more creative, take more risks and be more courageous. I think that we lacked a little bit of courage in key areas last week and that is down to decision making – having that belief and the backing of the Manager and staff.

“A big part of this season has been about reinforcing positives to the players and that has been the case again this week. We had a couple of big chances to take the lead against Ballymena and when you don’t put one of them away, it leaves the door open for what ended up happening.

“We have a group that are still adapting, but we always pride ourselves in the level of performance and a lot of us fell below that last week, which you can’t afford to do that in this League.

“This League is unforgiving and we have to raise those levels as we get ready for Loughgall.”

Cliftonville v Loughgall
Admission information
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid