Magilton calls for United effort

Ahead of this evening’s County Antrim Shield quarter-final with Ballymena United, Jim Magilton says that the only way Cliftonville can address their recent form is to play their way back on to a winning track.

The Reds approach the Solitude showdown following a three-game Sports Direct Premiership losing streak that started with an inert display against tonight’s opponents just over a fortnight ago and, though BetMcLean Cup progress was secured with victory over Limavady United last Tuesday, Magilton acknowledges that his team have not scaled any heights over the last few weeks.

“This is a massive game for us because our fans come in their busloads to see us play and they want to be entertained, and we’ve been putting on a particularly drab show at the moment,” he admitted.

“Cliftonville fans will stay with our lads if they show real guts and determination to try and get a result. I have to take responsibility for that because I set the team up and they’re my players but, ultimately, we’re just not playing well at the minute.”

Shea Kearney’s failure of a pre-match fitness test saw him join Cliftonville’s casualty list ahead of Saturday’s poor showing at Carrick Rangers and, while he acknowledges that injuries are causing him selection issues at the minute, Magilton does not want to use that as an excuse for recent performances.

“We’ll have another body count ahead of the game to see where we are,” he explains.

“There have been a few players out recently and we’ve some with longer-term problems who won’t be available, so it’s about weathering the storm and getting through it and the only way you do that is by rolling your sleeves up and showing determination to get it done.”

Cliftonville v Ballymena United
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