BetMcLean Cup: Reds boss Jim Magilton praises ‘master finisher’ Joe Gormley

Magilton was pleased with his side’s overall display and admitted they earned their luck at the end of the game when Jonny Russell missed a glorious chance to equalise after a mistake from goalkeeper Lewis Ridd.

“We had to show real courage, the goalkeeper made a few saves, we knew we would have to withstand pressure, and that moment of quality wins us the trophy”, he explained.

“Lewis, for his first big day at the club was very good, he made an error of judgment in the dying seconds of the game and perhaps the rub of the green was with us.”

With the BetMcLean Cup now secured and a chance to retain the Irish Cup with a semi-final coming up against Ards, Magilton hopes his side can push on and finish what has been an up and down season strongly.

“We’re ravenous for success and the more you get the more you want.

“We have a tough month ahead; we have seven games, and we have won three out of three so far so it’s about building momentum.”

Magilton added that there was a poignancy around the celebrations as Cliftonville remembered defender Michael Newberry, who passed away earlier this season.

The Reds had his shirt displayed for the trophy lift after it had been hung in the dressing room ahead of the game.

“Days like today he would have loved, defending for his very existence but even more importantly he would have loved the celebrations after,” Magilton said.

“Not a day goes by where I don’t think about him, he is very much in our thoughts, his father will be texting me and I believe his mother and brother were here today.”