Cliftonville’s Magilton on Derby Win: ‘We had to defend for our lives’

Following their victory in the north Belfast derby, Magilton’s team has ascended to second place in the league standings. Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton stated that his players’ “effort and desire” in securing a result against Crusaders warranted commendation. Joe Gormley netted the decisive goal with a skillfully executed finish in the first half, after which the Reds were compelled to defend deeply throughout the second half to secure their victory. Magilton expressed satisfaction with the resilience demonstrated in achieving a third consecutive league win. He informed BBC Sport NI, “Credit to Crusaders they really forced the issue, we had to defend for our lives, we had character and resilience, and I’m delighted with the three points.” Nevertheless, Magilton conveyed his frustration regarding Cliftonville’s failure to convert several chances that could have sealed the match. He further commented, “If we had taken one or two of our chances it might have been an easier night.” He also stated, “I knew Crusaders would provide a real attacking threat but some of our play was really pleasing, we just didn’t take our chances.” He acknowledged that despite an improvement in results following a seven-game winless streak, he continues to expect enhanced performance levels. “I’d like more control in the game overall, we were a little bit erratic towards the end, but you have to credit the opposition, they went for it,” he remarked. The manager of the Reds specifically commended Gormley, who scored his seventh goal of the current season during his 499th appearance for the team. “He’s special because he has this incredible knack of scoring goals and that you can’t coach,” Magilton observed. He proceeded, “H is one of the most outstanding finishers I have worked with, inside the box, you don’t expect him to miss and if he does you are shocked.” “Five hundred games for any player at any club is a remarkable achievement and he is an incredible person too,” he concluded.