Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
EUR ONE IN A MILLION!
Reds boss Gray hails his matchwinner Joe as North Belfast men secure Europa League
MANAGER Barry Gray hailed talisman striker Joe Gormley after his crucial winning strike earned Cliftonville a financial bonanza.
The 28-year-old bagged his 34th goal of the season against Glentoran to not only book his team a ticket to European football, but also earn a £200,000 cash jackpot.
However, the Reds certainly did it the hard way. Two goals from Rory Donnelly appeared to have Gray’s boys coasting.
But just as they did in their Europa League play-off semi-final against Linfield in midweek, the Glens came roaring back with a late double strike from Robbie McDaid and Curtin Allen.
Just as the game looked primed for extra-time, Gormley struck to send the North Belfast men into a frenzy.
“It was a crazy game,” said Gray. “We were in control and the finish line was in sight but managed to undo all the good work with some schoolboy defending – we gifted them their goals.
“However, I have to admire the character of this team. Under the circumstances a lot of team could well have folded, but the boys had enough in the tank to come back to win it.”
The home side took the lead on 25 minutes – although there was a touch of luck with Rory Donnelly’s opener.
Chris Curran’s corner fell for the striker, but he appeared to handle the ball before blasting low past Elliott Morris.
Angry Glentoran players surrounded referee Keith Kennedy in protest, but he allowed the goal to stand.
The Reds were right out of luck on 54 minutes. Another Curran corner was met by Jamie Harney, who found Gormley, but he couldn’t believe his luck when his header crashed off the bar.
The home side, though, appeared to be out of sight 10 minutes later.
Curran’s surging run sliced open the Glens’ defence. After sending Gormley free on the left, his superb cross picked out his strike partner inside the box and he did the needful, scrambling the ball over the diving Morris.
Glentoran were handed a lifeline 11 minutes from time when McDaid ghosted into the box to fire a low drive past a startled Neeson.
Astonishingly, the Glens drew level when Garry Breen pushed McDaid inside the box and the referee had no hesitation in pointing to the spot – Allen sending Brian Neeson the wrong way.
But the Reds were not to be denied. With the clock ticking down, Rory Donnelly cut back for Gormley to volley home, sparking scenes of jubilation.