CLIFTONVILLE manager Jim Magilton has called on his players to continue with their high levels of performance as they hope to build on their recent victory over Dungannon Swifts.
The Reds entertain Carrick Rangers on Saturday (kick-off 3pm) hoping to claim three points that would claw them level on points with the East Antrim club in the Boyles Sports Premiership.
Stephen Baxter’s side are sitting in fifth following a 1-1 draw with Limavady United at the weekend with Magilton heaping a lot of praise on Baxter and his squad.
“Carrick Rangers are flying and Stephen Baxter is an outstanding manager with an outstanding CV. He has quality in his squad and there is no surprise to me that they are winning games,” Magilton acknowledged.
“That’s what this game is all about, you are judged on winning and judged on results. We’ve won three out of four, which is great - but in the league we have to just try and maintain that focus and that consistency and performance.
“Our levels of performance recently have been very high, and very good so we need to continue that”.
Magilton was pleased to see his side gain their first league win in seven attempts and make it three wins their last four in all competitions, and pinpoints various qualities that have helped them over the last few weeks.
“Three wins in four is a fact, and that’s how we build it up,” he insisted.
“The narrow defeats have hurt us, there is no question about that. The narrow defeat last week against Portadown hurt us, because we didn’t actually defend that particularly well.
“Today we defended really well at times; really, really well as a team and that was important. When you come to Dungannon, they’ve got so much quality that you have to be ready in transition, and today we were and so we win the game.
“The resurgence if you like in us is belief, confidence, momentum and character. Character reveals itself in these moments, and in these moments you have to stand up and be counted, and they have.
“This run of games is difficult. Tuesday-Saturday, Tuesday-Saturday; it can be taxing but we’ve shown consistency in a lot of things and they got the dividends today. I’m delighted for the players".
Brian Healy’s double at Stangmore Park was crucial in their victory with his manager hoping it will give him the confidence to kick on.
“He [Brian Healy] is turning out to be quite the player,” said Magilton.
“We’ve had to use Brian consistently and constantly because he is a good player first and foremost, and also that run of games gives him the opportunity because he has had little dips in that too.
“When he plays in the manner in which he’s played, there has been certain blooms of the last five or six games where he looks a real threat. He deserved his two goals today, he probably could have had one or two more.
“We’re delighted with Brian, we have been since he has come into the club and hopefully it gives him the confidence to build on now”.
Dean McMaster returned to action, coming off the bench late in the game. Although Magilton revealed that he centre midfielder and other team-mates are playing through niggles, he believes it is testament to their attitude and character.
“Dean is still feeling it but they all want to play,” Magilton revealed.
“Rhyss Campbell wants to play, Liam McStravick wants to play and that is testament to the players.
“Fantastic attitude and character and when we need them most. It’s easy when you’re winning, it’s not easy when you’re not winning games.
“Certainly, we’ve seen that real belief. We’re not going to change after four seasons. We’ve built up that credibility through consistency, and that's what we aim to get back to. Credit to the players and credit to the staff for working so hard too”.
