Showing our true Colers

Jim Magilton felt Cliftonville demonstrated resilience in yesterday’s goalless draw with Coleraine and credited his players for the upturn in their performance from last week’s defeat at Bangor.

Though neither goalkeeper was overly tested at Solitude, both teams enjoyed periods in the ascendancy and it was the Reds who carved out the game’s best chances with Ryan Curran unfortunate to nod wide in the first-half before being unable to steer a close-range effort on target after the break.

Magilton cut a positive figure afterwards and believes his players responded well to the criticism they faced in the aftermath of that opening day reverse against the Seasiders.

“Overall I’m happy because we got something from the game, it would have been a travesty if we hadn’t given the effort and attitude of the players,” he reflected.

“Obviously after last Sunday, there was a lot of questions asked and probably quite rightly so – they were pretty justified in terms of walking away from Bangor having lost the game in the manner that we did.

“Today was a time for showing the sort of resilience that’s within the group. They showed it last season after losing the Cup Final by going on to win back-to-back games in the Play-Offs, so they have it in them and today was an expression of that. It was a real character-building performance from us and we recognise the quality that Coleraine have – they have outstanding players and they’re an outstanding team who are going to go close. It was a real battle of wills for us and we had to stand up and be counted.”

Looking back on those opportunities to make the breakthrough, Magilton added: “We had a couple of big moments but we were a little bit careless. I think there was a nervousness and that’s probably based on last week and the attention that brings and the attention every week brings if you don’t win a game here.

“A really important point today is that the fans stayed with us. We weren’t fantastic in terms of what we did on the ball but we showed real character and determination – that’s something that Cliftonville supporters demand and today we showed that. We didn’t do it last week to an extent but today we did and we now have to keep replicating that.”

The contest ended on a controversial note when Joe Gormley’s attempts to touch in an injury-time winner were impeded by Coleraine substitute Dean Jarvis, who hauled the striker down before removing the ball from danger.

“I think there is an initial foul, I think he’s got away with it,” said Magilton.

“It’s a remarkable clearance in the end, but I think he’s dragged Joe. The referee hasn’t given it but I thought he was inconsistent for both sides all day.”