MANAGER'S VERDICT: Jim Magilton 'disappointed' to lose but 'pleased' with Cliftonville's showing in narrow loss at Coleraine
Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton bemoaned his side’s “wastefulness” in the attacking third as they were edged out by Coleraine on the Ballycastle Road.
Here’s what he had to say after Will Patching’s goal separated the teams after 90 minutes.
THOUGHTS ON THE GAME?
"I thought first half was a pretty even contest. I thought that both teams tried to pass the ball.
"I thought we created really good opportunities and were wasteful in the final third.
"Had our quality in the final third been better, I think we would have created better opportunities.
"Half time was about reiterating it and going out and doing a little bit more if possible.
"I don’t think there’s an advantage which led to Shaun Leppard being penalised for the goal and I think Brian Healy is onside for the goal that was ruled out at the other end.
"I thought our attitude and application given our schedule was just outstanding today and to come up here and to play in the manner in which we played and the passages that we had…I'm very pleased and we've just got to nurse everybody through the next few days.
INJURY UPDATE:
"We lost Joe Gormley and we lost Adebayo (Fapetu) from Tuesday night.
"It's going to be a case of that now until the end of the season.
"We're going to have to utilise our bench to the best of our ability and the lads have been outstanding and we've got to continue.
CHANCES FOR OTHERS?
"There's a few walking wounded in there today.
"We'll see what we go with on Wednesday against Glentoran.
"We're always hopeful that we have a full group to select from, but it's not the case for any of the managers, so we acknowledge that and I'm not moaning about that because once someone gets injured, it gives another player who's chomping at it an opportunity.
HOPING BETMCLEAN CUP GOES THE DISTANCE THEN?
"I'm actually looking forward to the final. I think they're two well-matched teams.
"We've obviously got to get ourselves together for Wednesday night.
"Glentoran away is always a very difficult fixture and regardless of what happens tomorrow, they're going to be ready and so will we.”