Score values for Magilton

Jim Magilton admitted Cliftonville could have been a little more ruthless but was nonetheless delighted to claim all three Boyle Sports Premiership points on offer against Portadown yesterday.

Brian Healy strikes either side of a Ben Quinn header put the Reds 3-0 up and, though the visitors reduced the arrears through Eamon Fyfe and also saw Ahu Obakhan hit a post, Magilton was content that his men were well worth their win.

“It’s a big three points for us, largely because of last week,” said Magilton, reflecting on the need to bounce back from defeat to Dungannon Swifts.

“We had a really good opportunity in midweek to get players minutes and going into this game was all about the three points.

“You always want to play well and always want to show a real attacking threat, and I thought for large parts, we did that and probably should have scored more and made the game more comfortable.

“At 3-0, we’ve one or two opportunities to really kill the game off and we gave up a really poor goal, which gives Portadown a little bit more belief. For that little hairy-scary five minutes, they created a few more opportunities but overall, I’m really pleased.”

Healy’s finishes were his first of a season that has seen him thwarted and frustrated by offside calls, with the Manager declaring himself delighted to see the striker back on the scoresheet.

“I’m delighted that Brian scored two goals, two fantastic goals,” he added.

“Both goals came from great passes from (Dean) McMaster, Brian’s shown great strength and great composure and two fantastic finishes.

“Then Ben Quinn’s scored another good goal and, had we been a little bit more clinical and ruthless, we could have scored more.”

Magilton also singled out a key contribution from goalkeeper PJ Morrison, whose one-handed save to deny Fyfe a first-half equaliser proved crucial.

“A magnificent save,” he said.

“He had a late fitness test and showed great courage today.

“Anyone that has ever suffered a rub injury will surely testify that it’s pretty sore, so he had to be ready for the game. He wanted to play, that showed great determination and it was a magnificent save I have to say, a fantastic save.”