United in our application

Jim Magilton says Cliftonville are striving for the consistency that can yield rewards as the season progresses.

After collecting two points from their first four Sports Direst Premiership fixtures, the Reds approach tomorrow’s home clash with Ballymena United on the back of League victories over Glenavon and Carrick Rangers either side of a convincing North Belfast Derby triumph over Crusaders in the County Antrim Shield.

This weekend’s opponents have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign and, while Magilton expects Ballymena to be fired up to bounce back from defeat to Glentoran last time out, he insists Cliftonville’s focus must be solely on themselves and their approach to the contest.

“I wholeheartedly mean this, every game is such a task and a challenge,” he explained.

“For me – and I’m saying this every week now – it is never ever who we play, it’s how we play and our attitude and our application to how we play. If we are right at it and bang at it, I think we are a match for anybody in the League but it’s just about confidence and momentum now.

“Every week presents a new challenge and a different kind of test but the one constant we focus on is our own performance.”

As pleased as he was with his side’s display in last Saturday’s win at Carrick, Magilton acknowledges there were areas Cliftonville could improve on.

“We got done with two set pieces and they ran the length of the pitch and created those opportunities,” he reflected.

“There are always lessons from every game, but that was about winning, getting the three points and it was about building momentum now going into this month and I’m delighted with the start we’ve made to September but there’s always another big challenge lurking.”

Cliftonville v Ballymena United
Saturday, September 13 (3pm)
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid