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It didn’t Lough pretty, admits boss

Jim Magilton insists the manner of Cliftonville’s victory over Loughgall was less important than the outcome.

The Reds got back to winning ways in the Sports Direct Premiership courtesy of second-half goals from Jonny Addis and Stephen McGuinness on a day when things might have gone in a different direction had the visitors benefited from greater fortune.

After striking both posts, the Villagers had a Nathaniel Ferris effort disallowed for offside late in the opening period, leaving Magilton to reflect on a stern test at the end of another challenging few days on and off the pitch.

“We were very fortunate to go in at half-time at 0-0 because they’d created lots of opportunities which, fortunately for us, they didn’t take,” said the Manager after seeing his side back up their midweek BetMcLean Cup defeat of Larne with another win.

“We were nowhere near it but it’s been a really difficult week, there’s no question about that. The emotional rollercoaster of Tuesday and then Wednesday, Thursday when we’re in Newcastle to bury a colleague, a team-mate and a friend. That took a lot out of a lot of people.

“Given what we’ve had to go through, it really wouldn’t have mattered who we played but we weren’t very good and that’s just it but, given the context of the week – reaching a Final and getting another win – it’s what we set out to do.”

With injury ruling both Rory Hale and Joe Gormley out of the contest, a young Cliftonville side was shorn of yet more valuable experience but Magilton said he had no qualms about giving yet more game time to the younger members of his squad.

“We’re not afraid to do that at this Club,” he added.

“You see the likes of Coran Madden and Ryan Corrigan coming off the bench, plus Shea Kearney, Arran Pettifer and Ryan Markey starting the game and we trust in them to go and do a job.

“We were missing a little bit of experience, although it was great to get Kris Lowe back out on the pitch again, and I thought Jonny Addis was excellent for us in terms of his leadership and bringing that experience.

“We know we can be better and at times, we really weren’t very good but I think it was just important to win the game to firstly stop the rot and to build on the Cup win during the week.”