Getting semi serious

Jim Magilton says another “huge effort” will be required when Cliftonville do battle with Ballymena United this evening.

The Showgrounds plays host to a County Antrim Shield semi-final tie just three days after the Reds marked their return from the international break with a high-energy display against Coleraine, and Magilton insists similarly high levels of performance must be reached if his side are to reach the competition’s showpiece.

“Ballymena’s always a difficult trip,” he said.

“It’s a high-stakes game with a place in the Final on the line and they’re going to be really up for it, but so will we.

“Our performance levels have gone through the roof. I’ve said before that I’m not a big statistician but the numbers back up what we actually see in terms of their distance covered, their high-speed running and all of that is backed up.

“There’s been a huge effort and you have to applaud the players. It’s been all hands to the pump and that’s what we believe in;  that intensity with and without the ball is so important.”

Ballymena United v Cliftonville
Cash turnstiles
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Aged 11 and under: £5