Points of intention

Jim Magilton says Cliftonville’s sole focus must be on victory over Loughgall tomorrow evening.

The Reds bring the curtain down on their Sports Direct Premiership programme with a trip to Lakeview Park, where a draw would almost certainly be enough to secure seventh place in the table and the contingency bonus of a European Play-Off spot.

Though a point would be enough in that regard, Magilton – whose side boast a superior goal difference to nearest challengers Portadown – insists pocketing all three must be the intention.

“We have to go there and win,” he says.

“Earlier in the season, we went to Portadown and were beaten pretty easily. Last Saturday was every bit as poor as that and now we’re in a situation where we need to go and get ourselves a positive result at Loughgall. That will be our aim.

“We’ve spoken in recent weeks about managing the squad and managing certain players for various reasons, but we can’t get ahead of ourselves. You focus on the next match and our next match is against Loughgall – it’s one we need to win and it’s one we want to win.

“Our target is to go there and get three points. We’re not focused on, or thinking about, anything else.

“We’ve had some good momentum behind us recently but last Saturday was a step back from that, so we need to pick it up, go again and get three points at what I know will be a very tough venue because Loughgall will want to sign off on a high and they also have a new Manager who will demand they show what they’re capable of.”

Loughgall v Cliftonville
Saturday, April 26 (5.30pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Under-12s: £1
Tickets: General Sale