Matchday Perspectives: Title delight

Introducing the third installment of brand new feature to cliftonvillefc.net, our Matchday Perspectives programme catalogues Cliftonville’s home games through the eyes of supporter Sean McKinney from his vantage point in the Disabled Section of the McAlery Stand.

Covering not only key on-pitch action, Sean’s accounts will also reflect the pre-match build-up and the atmosphere generated in the Red Army’s bid to inspire the team, plus his take on the standout performers in the side, with this latest offering covering Sunday’s Sports Direct Women’s Premiership clash between Cliftonville Ladies and Glentoran Women, which ended with Brendan Lynch’s side being presented with the League trophy.

At the weekend, I was able to attend just one of the two matches at Solitude and, as I had yet to see the Ladies in action, I decided to go on Sunday evening to watch Cliftonville Ladies v Glentoran Women rather than the men v Ballymena United on Saturday afternoon.

This proved to be a good choice as the ladies won 4-1 before a very respectable attendance while, on Saturday, the men were beaten by one goal to nil, though by all accounts the atmosphere was great and the Reds were unlucky not to get a draw, having a strong penalty claim turned down.

Although the 4-1 result was great, the Ladies had already secured the Premiership trophy so, no matter how the match ended, Cliftonville would still be Champions.

It was a night of double celebrations as Cliftonville Corinthians (below) had deservedly won the Academy League and were presented with the trophy at half-time.

Since the title had already been secured – for the third time – I was half expecting post-title fatigue, but a great performance by the whole team overwhelmed Glentoran on what was my first visit to a Women’s League game.

Although the Ultras were not there to provide the usual soundtrack to the match and no banners (apart from the huge permanent Red Army/ Sean Graham one) brightened up the old Stand, the atmosphere was great, the match was very entertaining and both sets of supporters being housed in the McAlery Stand with no segregation all added to a great experience.

I had a quick look at the team sheet to familiarise myself with the names and numbers – the three McGuinness sisters were all in the starting eleven – before the Reds were welcomed on to the pitch with a guard of honour by Glentoran, who graciously applauded the girls in recognition of their achievement.

The first-half, although goalless, was very exciting with both teams coming close to scoring but the highlight was undoubtedly Reds goalie Maddy Harvey-Clifford’s brilliant diving save to keep out a powerful shot which looked destined for the bottom left corner of the net. This was not all that surprising though, as she looked very confident and solid during the pre-match practice.

The downside was the obvious painful leg injury to Glentoran’s number 20, Mia Moore, but after receiving treatment off the pitch, she was able to return to the action.

At half-time, the heat from pyrotechnics during the Corinthians’ trophy presentation and celebrations brought a welcome relief on a chilly night.

From the start of the second-half, it was clear that Cliftonville had stepped up a gear and took control of the match.

Within five minutes, Teegan Lynch fired a low volley into the net for her 18th goal of the season – 1-0 to the Reds.

The lead did not last very long as Moore, showing no signs of her first-half injury, scored shortly afterwards to level things up. This goal appeared to motivate the Reds who began to gel very well together and take further control of the match, though at one stage Caitlin McGuinness (above) didn’t appear to be too happy with one of her big sister’s crosses (but I think they made up!).

In the 66th minute, Caitlin opened her match account with an unbelievable strike. She beat a defender on the right wing and fired in a high shot which surprised everyone by flying in the top left corner of the net from a very narrow angle.

Then, 15 minutes later, she scored her second and, in injury time, completed her hat-trick by scoring Cliftonville’s fourth goal and her 27th of the season.

After the match, the Ladies were welcomed on to the red carpet, one-by-one, to receive their medals, with Player of the Match Caitlin McGuinness receiving the loudest applause.

The trophy was brought on to the platform and hoisted into the air while the pyrotechnics once again lit up the sky during the brilliant celebrations.

This ended what for me was a very memorable evening. I felt so proud of both teams and very fortunate to have now seen three Cliftonville teams (including the men back in 2013 and 2014) being presented with League trophies.