Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin admits he will be looking to dip into the transfer market again before the window slams shut next weekend.
Breslin saw his side held to a 1-1 draw by Dungannon Swifts on Saturday after a spectacular late equaliser from former Reds striker Stephen O’Neill.
Many away fans were left reflecting on two points dropped at Stangmore Park.
Cliftonville had been leading for most of the second half, after a Liam Boyce strike was deflected into his own net by Swifts defender Adam McMinn.
And Breslin admitted he was frustrated not to claim a second win of the new season against the Tyrone side.
“I’m disappointed we didn’t finish the game off because we had chances,” he said.
“I thought we deserved three points, we’re only getting one, but that’s football.
“Last weekend we scored a goal four minutes into injury time to win the game so we can’t complain too much.
“It will take five or six weeks for the league to settle down and teams to find their level.”
Breslin also admitted he is looking to strengthen his side in the coming days.
“We have a few still to come in – Chris Scannell was injured today and Ronan Scannell didn’t play – we also have a couple of others who we might get before the window closes,” he added.
Thirty-four points separated these sides last term, but there was little between them on Saturday as both laboured in the August sunshine.
The main chance of a scoreless first half fell to Cliftonville just before the break. A free-kick from Martin Donnelly reached George McMullan but his close-range snapshot struck the crossbar.
However, they edged ahead 13 minutes into the second period.
Boyce surged down the right flank, cutting inside before unleashing a left foot strike which took a crucial deflection off McMinn, sending it into the net.
Both sides had chances to score, with Dungannon goalkeeper Jonny Curran pulling off a superb late save to deny Boyce.
And it proved crucial, with O’Neill rescuing a deserved point with that stunning equaliser. He unleashed a dipping volley which sailed over the helpless goalkeeper and into the top corner.
The striker was brought in from Carrick Rangers this summer to boost a Dungannon forward line which had the league’s lowest goals tally last term.
And head coach Rodney McAree was encouraged by O’Neill’s impact on his home debut.
“It was some strike and to be fair Stephen probably deserved it,” he said.
“He hustled and bustled all day, won balls in the air and caused Cliftonville problems. He worked hard and it shows that if you put in the hard work, you get the reward.
“I’m delighted, it’s an absolutely fabulous strike.”
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