Danske Bank Irish Premiership: Cliftonville 2 Larne 1
CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy McLaughlin lauded the fighting spirit of his players following their comeback victory over Larne - and hailed young Sean Moore for hauling the Reds back into yesterday’s top-of-the-table clash at a packed Solitude.
McLaughlin was the most contented man leaving the north Belfast ground last night having watched his side bounce back to winning ways after suffering a disastrous 3-0 defeat to neighbours Crusaders on St Stephen’s Day.
Lee Bonis, linked to a move to Rotherham United, gave Larne a 51st minute lead before 17-year-old Moore got the home side back on level terms with a deflected shot.
The Reds wrapped up the three hard-earned points on 76 minutes thanks to Rory Hale whose effort was also deflected on its way to the net.
Cliftonville now sit level with Larne at the top on 45 points while Linfield’s scoreless draw at home to Coleraine yesterday keeps the defending champions in third spot.
Not for the first time this season, though, Moore was the talk of Solitude after his left-footed shot found the net, via the head of Larne defender Cian Bolger.
“My job is easy,” smiled McLaughlin afterwards.
“I name Sean Moore in the starting XI and Decky [O’Hara] fills in the rest. That’s how highly rated Sean Moore is. He is mature well beyond his years and he’s still got a lot to learn but he’s still working hard on his game.
“There is a talent there that I don’t think I’ve seen at Irish League level that needs to be nurtured the right way. He’s a bright future ahead of him and justifies his own selection because he’s quality. Age doesn’t come into it.”
Larne can count themselves desperately unlucky not to take anything from yesterday’s cagey affair, having dominated possession for long stretches.
Bonis had a second ‘goal’ ruled out due to a foul on Jonny Addis, while Ben Doherty appeared to be tripped in the lead-up to Rory Hale’s winning goal.
