Jim Magilton pleased that Cliftonville come out on top in 'basketball game' versus Bangor
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton had mixed emotions after watching his side collect all three points in a 3-1 success at home to Bangor.
The Reds overcame their Co Down opponents at Solitude as striker Joe Gormley fired them ahead late in the first half.
However, the visitors equalised in bizarre circumstances when Jonny Addis blocked Stephen Fallon’s effort, with the ball deflecting off Conor Pepper and into his own net.
Cliftonville quickly regained their lead through Micheal Glynn’s thunderous strike, with substitute Brian Healy then sealing the victory.
Bangor had a late penalty saved by Lewis Ridd as Harry Lynch’s effort was kept out by the Cliftonville custodian.
“Obviously there were elements of our play that were excellent but there were also elements of our play that wasn’t so good,” Magilton told Cliftonville’s official website.
“It was a bit like a basketball match at times because it went back and forth and it was a case of who’s going to score the most.
“We gave up a few chances which wasn’t great, but I thought we carried a threat and I’m obviously delighted with three points.
“We were lax at times and loose with the ball, which offered opportunities, but once we settled into the game, we were okay but didn’t really have a cutting edge and then Joe does what Joe does. It’s a fantastic touch and great finish and that settles us down.
“In the second-half, we’re still waiting to kick on and we didn’t really. It’s a great goal from Micheál right away after them scoring, which is always a very important aspect in the game because it gives them confidence but when you hit straight back, the momentum switches back to us.
“Then Brian scores a great goal, which is really pleasing, but on another day, you could lose that game.
“I’m delighted that we won the game because it’s an important win for us but there are elements of that game that we need to get rid of very, very quickly because, on another night, Bangor score more goals than they actually did.”
Cliftonville remain seventh in the table ahead of a trip to Dungannon Swifts on Friday night, whilst Bangor are a place behind the Reds and they take on Crusaders at Seaview on Saturday.