We had to Carri a threat: Magilton

Jim Magilton took particular satisfaction from Cliftonville’s determination to add to their goal tally right up until the final kick of last night’s victory over Carrick Rangers.

Ahead through Rory Hale at half-time, the Reds doubled their advantage courtesy of a thumping strike from Alex Parsons before Stephen McGuinness wrapped things up in injury-time.

Over the course of the night, however, Parsons was twice denied by visiting keeper Jack McIntyre before curling another attempt inches wide, while Hale, Ryan Curran and Kris Lowe all drew saves from the visiting stopper in addition to McGuinness striking the post and Ryan Corrigan miscuing an attempt in front of goal.

Having been frustrated with his side’s failure to build on leads in recent games, Magilton was naturally encouraged by what he saw against the Gers.

“We had long periods of real domination and creating opportunities, so I’m delighted with that,” he said.

“You’re always aware that Carrick carry a massive threat, not only through set pieces but with the individual players that they have. You’re always conscious that they can hit you on the counter attack and they did and they were unlucky a few times, but overall I’m really pleased with our passing, really pleased with our movement and creating the opportunities that we did – and obviously pleased to score three goals and keep a clean sheet.

“We kicked on, we didn’t rest on our laurels, and it was important we had that impetus after we scored the first goal and we carried that through. I thought there were lots of really good performances. Shea Gordon coming back in, I thought played really well and had a nice balance with Harry Wilson, and obviously Parsons and Rory scoring their goals.

“It’s very pleasing to score three goals, keep a clean sheet and play in the manner that we did. There was a lot of freedom in our play at times and of course that comes through scoring goals and we showed real moments of that fluidity that we’ve got in our team.”