Springing to the defence

Ryan Curran says the formidable defensive record that helped St Joseph’s book their passport to Europe is to be respected ahead of the sides renewing rivalries at Solitude tomorrow night.

The Gibraltarian outfit conceded just 15 goals in the League last season and finished level on points with Champions Lincoln Red Imps at the top of the table, missing out on the title due to their head-to-head record.

Having been one of two scorers against the Saints at Europa Point Stadium last week, however, Curran believes Cliftonville can take confidence from that achievement going into the second leg of their UEFA Conference League first qualifying round tie.

“I wasn’t aware of their defensive record until about an hour before the game,” says Curran of last week’s opening battle.

“They only conceded 15 goals last season and they’ve got some very good players so for us to go out there in that heat, score two goals and give a good account of ourselves stands us in good stead.

“We saw how good a team St Joseph’s were last week but we did well in the game and have put ourselves into a decent position bringing them back to Solitude.”

You can read the full Curran interview in tomorrow night’s souvenir edition of our Matchday Magazine, which will be on sale at Solitude for £3.

Featuring pre-match views from the Manager’s Office, The Red Eye’s second issue of the campaign reflects on the continental history of both teams and assesses Cliftonville’s disciplinary record on the European stage – plus plenty more besides.

Cliftonville v St Joseph’s
Tickets
McAlery Stand: Sold out
Main Stand Lower: Sold out
Bowling Green Stand: Available

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