Backlash brewing

Jim Magilton says Cliftonville must be primed to face a fired-up Coleraine side this evening.

The Reds travel to The Showgrounds for a midweek Sports Direct Premiership mission following a weekend in which the respective sides experienced contrasting Irish Cup fortunes.

While Magilton’s men eventually got the better of Glenavon in a scintillating Solitude showdown, the Bannsiders suffered extra-time defeat to Dungannon Swifts – a situation the Reds boss expects tonight’s opponents to be motivated to atone for.

“We have to be ready and prepared for a massive game,” he said.

“Coleraine went out of the Irish Cup on Saturday and you’d have to imagine that we’re going to face a bit of a backlash. That’s something we’re going to have to stand up to because they’re going to be raring to go after that disappointment.

“It’s a game we’re looking forward to, though. We’re coming up against a very strongly assembled squad with lots of quality in it, but it’s one that we have to approach with the mindset that we have to really step up to the plate in terms of what’s going to be demanded of us.”

Coleraine v Cliftonville
Tickets
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Primary School: £5
Tickets: General Sale