MCMEN AGAINST BOYS

Mclaughlin: Paddy is a really big player for us

CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy Mclaughlin saluted the predatory instincts of Conor Mcmenamin whose winner against Larne at sent the Reds three points clear at the top of the table.

It was the third time in a week the 24-year-old had popped up with a vital goal.

Not only did he bag a glorious double in the Boxing Day win against rivals Crusaders, but he also hit the winner against title chasing Coleraine five days earlier.

“We have a player bang in from in Conor Mcmenamin,” beamed Mclaughlin (inset). “That’s four goals he has scored in a week.

“He has been in top form for us, not only today, but this season – he’s a really big player for us.”

The Reds got off to the best possible start with Joe Gormley heading home after only 17 seconds to silence the big home crowd.

But Tiernan Lynch’s boys were level within three minutes when Jeff Hughes’ header looped over Richard Brush.

Mcmenamin had the last laugh though. He picked up a pass from Gormley on 53 minutes, cut inside, before rifling a beauty past Conor Devlin.

“We got out of blocks really early, with Joe scoring right from the off,” added Mclaughlin.

“In saying that, Larne responded well and equalised within a few minutes. As the game wore on, I felt that there was a second goal in us.”

Mclaughlin also praised the performance of shot stopper Brush. He added: “I’ve said it before, but I reckon Brushie is the best in the League.

“It may have raised a few eyebrows at the time, but he’s produced another top-class display.

“When Larne did breach the back four, they found Brushie in top form.”

Although the Reds have eased clear of the chasing pack – three points ahead of Linfield, Coleraine and Glentoran – Mclaughlin believes there will be a lot of twists and turns up ahead.

“I would have settled for this position had it been offered to me at the outset,” he admitted.

“Any team that leads this division must be doing something right because there are so many good teams and it’s so competitive.

“Yes, we are delighted to be at the top but we know there is a long way to go and I’m sure that top place will change hands quite a few times before it is settled.”

Larne chief Tiernan Lynch insisted his boys’ performance deserved something.

“We were poor on Boxing Day and we owed the fans a performance and I think they got that,” he said.

“I’m gobsmacked we didn’t get something from the game. I got the performance I wanted, but unfortunately didn’t get the result.”

ON TOP FORM Conor Mcmenamin continued his recent scoring form against Larne (above)