Opportunity knocks, says Jim

Jim Magilton wants his players to embrace the opportunities that have presented themselves as Cliftonville continue to manage late-season injury concerns.

The Reds will bid to bounce back from last week’s heavy loss at Coleraine when they welcome Dungannon Swifts to Solitude on Sports Direct Premiership duty tomorrow afternoon.

Having praised his patched-up side for stepping up to the mark with a brave display against Glentoran, Magilton admitted last Saturday’s encounter with the Bannsiders simply ran away from his team, who had raced into a 2-0 lead at The Showgrounds.

“Dungannon is going to be a big game,” he said.

“We’ve got to nurse the bodies this week and make sure they are okay. We’ll see who the able bodies are and then we’re going to take it from there.

“It’s another tough challenge against an opponent we’re obviously very familiar with and I know our players will be hungry to put last week behind them.

“We’ve given opportunities to a lot of young lads recently and, as difficult as it is to go up against experienced players in this League, they all want to play and it’s about making sure they make the most of that.

“I don’t like talking about injuries but I think people can see we’ve been struggling for numbers for quite a while now. The most important thing is that the players that come into the team, whoever they are, take that opportunity as best they can.”

As well as being Cliftonville’s final home match of the Premiership season, tomorrow’s fixture will also be dedicated to shining an additional spotlight on the NI Football League’s #NotInOurGame campaign.

Included among the initiatives on the day will be a repeat call for 30 seconds of applause during the 30th minute of the match in honour of the 30 women who have been violently killed in Northern Ireland since 2020, while all proceeds from the Half Gate Draw will be donated to Women’s Aid.

Aimed at tackling violence against women and using the power of football to drive positive change across society, the #NotInOurGame project comes at a time when the issue remains highly prevalent, and the League is using its platform to raise awareness, encourage conversation and promote responsibility across the football community.

There is no place in society for violence again women. The NI Football League, Cliftonville FC and our fellow member Clubs stand together for change.

Cliftonville v Dungannon Swifts
Saturday, April 18, 2026
Adults: £15
Concessions: £10
12 and under: £1 (with a paying adult)
Tickets: General Sale
Members Tickets and Season Tickets valid