Magilton has won vision
Jim Magilton acknowledges that Cliftonville must return to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership this weekend.
Though his side booked their place in the BetMcLean Cup Final with a dramatic victory over Larne at Inver Park on Tuesday night, the Reds have lost their last four outings in the League and, ahead of tomorrow’s Solitude meeting with Loughgall, Magilton admits three points are a must.
“Tuesday night was finished on Tuesday night and that took care of itself,” he says.
“We’ve got a massive game against Loughgall and we’ve got to stop that rot of losing. We’ll pick a team that we believe can go and win. It’s about building on the midweek win, taking the confidence from it and trying to turn it into momentim.
“Loughgall can be a tough nut to crack and they will come to Solitude with a game plan that we must be ready for and deal with.”
Having welcomed Luke Conlan’s return in back-to-back outings with Larne over the course of the past week, Magilton – who earlier today added former Drogheda United defender Jack Keaney to his squad – is hopeful of forthcoming fitness boosts for Shea Gordon and Kris Lowe, who scored in the Irish Cup defeat of Banbridge Rangers only to then miss the subsequent trips to Inver Park.
With reference to the recent Premiership Development League clash between Cliftonville Olympic and Crusaders Reserves, he explained: “Kris Lowe probably could have done with a game on Monday night.
“Shea Gordon played 60 minutes on Monday night, which was fantastic. Sean (Stewart) is still a wee bit off and Ruaidhri (Donnelly) is still a wee bit off and hopefully we can get one or two in before the window closes.”
Cliftonville v Loughgall
Saturday, January 18 (3pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid