Dungannon Swifts showed 'immense character' to bounce back from heavy defeat to claim win against Cliftonville, says Rodney McAree

The Swifts were left shell-shocked on Tuesday night as they were hit for six by a rampant Linfield at Windsor Park.

However, they showed the perfect response by coming out on top in the five-goal thriller on home soil as defenders Steven Scott, Cathal McGinty and Adam Glenny were amongst the goals.

After falling behind to Scott’s opener, Cliftonville equalised through Joe Gormley and then took the lead via Brian Healy until the Swifts mounted a comeback to take the spoils.

"Tuesday night past wasn't good enough, it wasn't near good enough,” McAree told Dungannon Swifts’ social media platforms.

"We conceded very bad goals and were at the end of a very heavy defeat.

"We were coming up against a very good Cliftonville team tonight and I thought the lads showed immense character, especially when they go 2-1 down.

"I thought in the first half we were very good, we conceded a bad goal on the stroke of half time and we go in at 1-1.

"We deserved to go in the lead...but in the second half I didn't think it was too much between two teams.

"But to go 2-1 down and then show the character, the desire, the endeavour as a group of players to go and get the win was very, very pleasing.”

Whilst the defenders took the limelight for grabbing the goals, McAree paid special praise to loanee Kobei Moore for his performance at the top end of the pitch.

He stated: “I thought Kobei was excellent.

"I thought he chased things, he got hold of things, he looked a threat, and he got another couple of efforts at goal.

"It's only a matter of time until he hits the back of the net for Dungannon Swifts.

"He looks as if he's got a smile on his face and looks as if he's enjoying it.

"He's getting minutes, which is important for him, he just needs to keep doing what he's doing and keep working hard.

“The boys are becoming aware of what his strengths are ad we're beginning to play to it also.”