We didn’t do enough: Magilton

Jim Magilton admitted that Cliftonville didn’t do enough to keep hold of the Clearer Water Irish Cup following yesterday’s Final defeat to Dungannon Swifts.

Trailing to a first-half header from John McGovern, the Reds – who were handed a numerical advantage when Steven Scott was sent off midway through the second period – levelled in dramatic style when Shea Kearney picked his spot from distance in injury-time.

Despite coming close to winning it on more than one occasion during extra-time, most notably when Eric McWoods had an effort cleared off the line, Cliftonville were taken to spot kicks, where the Swifts emerged 4-3 victors.

“I thought we actually started quite well and dominated possession without really testing the goalkeeper,” reflected Magilton.

“It is a really poor goal defensively from us and that gives them a lift.

“We lacked penetration, there was no question about that, in the first-half especially. In the second-half, they go down to 10 men and you think we are going to capitalise on that and there were a few helter-skelter moments.

“I still had hope and faith going into extra-time. We just didn’t do enough. Eric had that great chance and we were just too hesitant in the game. Dungannon were so well set up after going down to 10 men and we must applaud their resolve. I don’t think we did enough.”

Amid his own disappointment, Magilton found time to congratulate the Swifts and their Manager Rodney McAree, who was part of the team defeated on penalties by Linfield in Dungannon’s only previous appearance in an Irish Cup decider.

“You can’t begrudge them that. They lost a penalty shootout back in 2007 but the footballing gods were with them,” he added.

“I felt we lacked real conviction today which was the overriding factor, I spoke about it at half-time. That is disappointing but you want to congratulate Rod, Dixie Robinson and the Club, they have had a fantastic season and done a marvellous job this year.

“We have to take it on the chin and move on.”