Soccer

All credit goes to Paddy McLaughlin: Cliftonville goal hero Conor McMenamin

Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin heaped praise on his players' character after their 2-1 win over Crusaders yesterday
Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin heaped praise on his players' character after their 2-1 win over Crusaders yesterday Cliftonville manager Paddy McLaughlin heaped praise on his players' character after their 2-1 win over Crusaders yesterday

Danske Bank Irish Premiership: Crusaders 1 Cliftonville 2

CLIFTONVILLE’S two-goal derby hero Conor McMenamin heaped praise on manager Paddy McLaughlin for showing belief in him, as the Reds jumped to the top of the table following yesterday’s fine win over Crusaders.

David Cushley gave the home side an early lead before McMenamin replied five minutes later and clinched the winner in the 79th minute.

The Reds lead Linfield by a point after the Blues crashed to a surprise 3-0 defeat to ‘Big Two’ rivals Glentoran.

But the name on everybody’s lips at Seaview yesterday was match-winner McMenamin.

“I probably wouldn’t be standing here now if it wasn’t for Paddy,” said McMenamin, who was also the side’s game-winner against Coleraine last weekend.

“Paddy has installed great confidence into me and I’m reaping the rewards now. All the credit goes to Paddy because he believes in me and he works hard with me on the training ground. When your manager is telling you how good you are it does fill you with confidence and thankfully I’m repaying him out on the pitch.”

Describing McMenamin as a “class act” and one of the best players in the Irish League, McLaughlin appeared to be more consumed with the brilliant fighting spirit of his team after yesterday’s fully deserved St Stephen’s Day derby win.

“We’re not the biggest squad but you see the belief and desire and they’ve got the heart of a lion that maybe some teams don’t possess,” said the Cliftonville manager, who only took charge in February.

With tricky assignments away to Larne on Saturday and a home tie with an improving Glenavon on New Year’s Day, McLaughlin isn’t buying into title talk just yet.

But it didn't stop the delirious Reds supporters contemplating the lofty prospect upon leaving the Shore Road ground yesterday evening.