Magilton ‘hated’ Lurgan loss

Jim Magilton lamented a “pitiful” performance as he reflected on Cliftonville’s defeat to Glenavon at Mourneview Park yesterday.

Though Paul McGovern drew the hosts level shortly after Ryan Curran had broken the deadlock, the Reds should have been in front before half-time with Curran, Brian Healy, Reece Jordan, Sean Robertson and Aidan Kelly all going close to restoring their advantage.

Unable to maintain that momentum after the break, Cliftonville – who nevertheless threatened through Curran and Healy – were grateful to goalkeeper Lewis Ridd for a penalty save that denied Nathaniel Ferris and then a smart stop to deny Stephen Mallon. From the resulting corner, however, Harry Murphy rose highest to nod Glenavon in front, with the Reds unable to generate anything of significance in response.

“That was awful from start to finish,” said Magilton, whose side host the Lurgan Blues in the sixth round of the Clearer Water Irish Cup next weekend.

“It was unacceptable, substandard. I thought we were really poor man for man.

“There has to be an apology to our fans, who came in their droves. That was a gutless performance, I hated it.

“Glenavon deserved to win, they showed more appetite in the game. Albeit we created some really good opportunities, I still thought we were awful and what we produced today was pitiful. Next week, we have to show what that shirt means. It’s as simple as that.”