Competition winners

Jim Magilton believes that the competition which exists within the Cliftonville squad was on full display in last night’s North Belfast Derby defeat of Crusaders.

The Reds – who made seven changes to their starting XI from the weekend – earned progress to the quarter-finals of the County Antrim Shield courtesy of second-half goals from substitutes Eric McWoods and Callum McCay on a night that saw Academy talents Joe Sheridan and Keevan Hawthorne catch the eye alongside a bright debut from Deadline Day arrival Brandon Bermingham.

“Obviously we have to get minutes into players’ legs and in the first-half, Crusaders were very good and people in our team are getting used to each other,” explained Magilton.

“We readjusted things at half-time because Darien (Wauchope) had to come off, so we gave Keevo a run and he’s another kid who’s been excellent and we just felt we had to press a little bit higher, which we did. We played with a bit more intensity, created more opportunites and eventually, we’ve won the game.

“The cross for Eric is a magnificent ball and it’s a great header and, to be fair to Callum McCay, it’s a wonderful finish from him too.”

With Rory Hale, Micheal Glynn and Jack Keaney among those who sat out entirely, Magilton added: “We always look for competition within the squad. Our toughest opponent at times should be the lads who are itching to play and get minutes. That’s what we want and we’re trying to build momentum and get people established. Lads who come in have to be ready to play.

“You have to throw these lads in because it’s the only way we’re going to find out about them. We’d like to have done it a little bit sooner but haven’t had the opportunity to.”