Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ANOTHER RED LETTER DAY..
Crunch clashes coming thick and fast for Cliftonville but Paddy isn’t worried
CLIFTONVILLE boss Paddy Mclaughlin has backed his players to deal with the high-stake demands of fighting on three fronts at the business end of the season.
Every game these days seems like a defining one for the Reds, who are in the thick of a fascinating title race with Linfield and Glentoran at the league summit.
An Irish Cup quarter-final also lies in wait with Coleraine next Friday with the little matter of a League
Cup final against the same opposition on March 13.
First up though is the tantalising prospect of a North Belfast derby with Crusaders, who lie nine points below their cross-city rivals with a game in hand.
“It’s a massive three points for both clubs,” said Mclaughlin, who insists no extra motivation will be required heading into the final two months of the campaign.
“The boys haven’t needed to be motivated all season and that won’t change now.
“They love the club, they love playing for the fans and with the support we’re getting home and away, they love coming into work and playing in these games.
“The way we’re playing at the minute, we’re looking forward to any game.”
Cliftonville suffered a 2-0 defeat to Crusaders at Solitude in early January, the only time the Reds have failed to score in 21 home outings in all competitions this season.
“It’s probably the only game this year where we didn’t play well,” said Mclaughlin.
“Even though we have dropped points in other games, that was the only night we didn’t play well or deserve anything from the game.
“It’s only one out of 28 league games and more than half a dozen cup ties across the season, but it was a North Belfast derby and it would be nice to put that right.”
Crusaders, who are unbeaten in their last five away games in the Premiership, head to Solitude looking to close the gap on the top three.
A win would take them to within six points of Cliftonville with a game in hand.
“There’s nothing between the two sides and it’ll be tough, but I also think it’ll be entertaining,” said Mclaughlin.
“The Crues are a very good side and they can mix it up. They can be direct and they can also play good football, so we have to be prepared for both.”
As for the title race, Mclaughlin is sticking to his line that Linfield and Glentoran remain runaway favourites to lift the Gibson Cup in April.
“Our form has been really good and we’re staying on the coattails of the leaders, but it’s theirs to lose and we’re just hoping to stay in touch for as long as we can.”