NIFL Premiership: Coleraine 1 Cliftonville 2
CLIFTONVILLE manager Jim Magilton says he always knew Saturday’s game at Ballycastle Road was going to be a tough one but was pleased to have the strength in depth from the bench to make the difference.
Coleraine fell to a damaging 3-1 defeat to Ballymena United last weekend but were more than a match for Cliftonville in the first-half on Saturday.
With the Reds struggling to make an impact up front, Magilton rang the changes early in the second-half, with Ronan Hale, Stephen Mallon and Kris Lowe brought off the bench. Soon after, Ben Wilson broke the deadlock for Cliftonville and, while Conor McKendry levelled for Coleraine, another substitute, Sam Ashford grabbed the winner for the Reds.
“It’s a massive win in what was a very difficult game,” said Magilton.
“We knew there was going to be a bounce from Coleraine from last week. Gerard [Lyttle] and I were at their game and we knew there would be an intensity in their play.
“Since I’ve been in, it’s probably as poor as we’ve played in terms of the ball, in terms of our passing and in terms of creating opportunities – we didn’t really do that, so half-time couldn’t come quick enough for us.”
On the changes he made early in the second-half, Magilton added: “They’re all chomping to play which is great and we’re trying to generate competition within the group and we have that. Ronan, Stephen Mallon and Sam are all desperate to come in and make an impression and they certainly made a massive difference.
“Some days you have an off-day and some days you just have to make a tactical switch to try and win the game. We needed a lift, we needed to generate a bit more noise from our supporters, who again were magnificent, coming up in numbers. We just needed that spark and it was an opportunity to get these lads on and give them game time and they didn’t disappoint us.”
Elsewhere on Saturday, leaders Linfield continued their fine form with a 5-1 thumping of Loughgall at Windsor Park. Chris McKee grabbed a double for the Blues, while Joel Cooper, Matthew Clarke and Darragh McBrien were also on target.
Ten-man Larne came from behind at the Showgrounds, to beat struggling Newry City 2-1. Adam Salley put the home side in front before substitute Illijah Paul was sent-off, but substitute Joe Thompson stunned the home side with a late double.
Glenavon beat Carrick Rangers 3-1 at Taylor’s Avenue while Ballymena United and Dungannon Swifts played out a 1-1 draw.
