Heart of tone

Jim Magilton felt Cliftonville “set the tone” in yesterday’s Sports Direct Premiership encounter with Linfield and, though frustrated at being unable to turn one point into three, he was encouraged by the spirit demonstrated by his side.

The most clear-cut chance of the game saw Eric McWoods shoot straight at visiting goalkeeper Chris Johns in the first-half, while the Reds almost celebrated an injury-time winner when Joe Gormley’s deflected cross came back off the bar and was cleared to safety before either Ryan Curran or Conor Barr could pounce.

“I enjoyed how we approached the game,” said Magilton.

“Our attitude and determination to keep the ball out of our net was fantastic, so credit to everybody involved.

“We also created good opportunities. In games like this, they’re fine lines and fine margins and you have to take them opportunities when they come your way, especially when you’re on top because you always acknowledge the quality that Linfield have in their team and, in any given second in the game, they have quality players that can hurt you.”

With his squad hampered by injuries, Magilton revealed that a number of his players powered through the pain barrier to participate in the game.

“Tommy Lavery really had to dig in today,” he said.

“He had a problem with his calf and we weren’t sure at half-time if he could go on. Odhran Casey, again, with unbelievable character and spirit – both those lads dug in.

“You can only commend the spirit within the group. We’re trying to build momentum. That’s three games now where I thought our attitude, focus and application was top notch.”

Quizzed on how his players set about their task, the Manager concluded: “I think we set the tone. That’s important when teams come to Solitude.

“We talked about getting on the front foot and all the things that you hear a million times over every weekend and in every game, but it’s important for us, especially here, to try and set a tone and I thought we did that.”