Jim Magilton clear 'you won’t see a better goal this weekend' as Cliftonville produce 'one of our best performances'

The Reds extended their unbeaten league run to four matches and kept a fourth consecutive clean sheet as they moved inside the top-half by handing the Bannsiders a first defeat since October 4.

Magilton’s men endured a mixed start to the current campaign, winning only three of their opening 10 fixtures, but have certainly turned a corner with league improvements combined alongside BetMcLean Cup and Co Antrim Shield progression.

Former Northern Ireland international Magilton insists he always had faith his side would turn their fortunes around and wants to use Saturday’s triumph as a platform for more success.

“It’s up there with one of our best performances (of the season),” he said. “I thought from minute one through to minute 96, our attention to detail, our focus and our determination without the ball was so great and they all deserve credit for that.

“They’ve worked so hard and five or six weeks ago, we talked about getting back to basics and keeping clean sheets, so we’re building on that momentum.

“I’m delighted. I’m so happy for the players but it’s just one game and we need to build on momentum, but the confidence that should give them is huge and belief should be growing because we believe in them. We’ve never lost that belief in them, so hopefully they can kick on.”

Influential captain Hale scored his second Premiership goal of the season, starting and finishing a move which also included contributions from Jonny Addis, Ryan Curran, Joe Sheridan and Keevan Hawthorne.

“You won’t see a better goal this weekend,” added Magilton. “When you look at where it started, how it was finished and the composure that was shown, it’s a great goal and shows a side to our game that we have.”

Cliftonville will be back in action on Tuesday evening when they take on Ballymena United in a Co Antrim Shield semi-final – the winner will face a showpiece decider against Carrick Rangers.