Reds Euro hopes in jeopardy

CLIFTONVILLE face an uphill battle to stay in the Europa League after losing at home to FK Haugesund last night.

Fresh from hammering Welsh club Barry Town in their preliminary round tie there was optimism amongst Reds fans about the prospect of earning another victory in north Belfast in the first qualifying round stage but the men from Norway proved too strong.

There was only one goal in it at the finish, however, which offers Paddy Mclaughlin’s team a slim chance of progression.

Haugesund, who hammered Coleraine in European competition two years ago, netted with 42 minutes on the clock. It had been coming with the visitors the slicker outfit in the first half.

Christian Grindheim was the goalscorer finishing off an excellent move with a close range finish. It was the type of football and creative passing that former Institute boss Mclaughlin is determined to bring to Solitude.

With 11 minutes left the Reds were thrown a lifeline when Torbjorn Kallevag was needlessly sent off for a poor challenge on Conor Mcdermott but the Norwegians hung on to take a slender lead back home with them.

They will be big favourites to make it through in the return next week with Cliftonville needing to score to have any chance.

GUTTED Cliftonville captain Chris Curran fails to score

BAD RESULT Cliftonville boss Paddy Mclaughglin