Cliftonville FC's summer recruitment drive paid immediate dividends in a 3-1 victory away to Carrick Rangers. Every one of the Reds' goals was scored by a player signed during the recent transfer window, securing three vital Premiership points.
Assistant manager Gerard Lyttle highlighted the character shown by his side after falling behind early. Caleb Hawthorne gave the hosts an 11th-minute lead, but Kyle McClelland levelled just four minutes later. Ben Quinn then put Cliftonville ahead before half-time, with Dean McMaster sealing the win with a late free-kick.
Lyttle praised the integration of the new faces, with seven recent recruits featuring across the 90 minutes. "You know what you’re going to get at Carrick, it’s going to be a tough challenge," he said. The win moves Cliftonville up to fourth in the Premiership standings with 12 points from seven games, though they remain seven points behind leaders Coleraine.
The result provides a welcome boost after a 2-0 defeat to Larne in their previous outing, a result that contributed to a recent form line of two wins and three losses from their last five. Shaun Leppard and Brian Healy both had chances to extend the advantage after the break, but McMaster's late strike ensured the points.
Attention now turns to a tough away fixture against second-placed Linfield on 19 December.
First reported at Cliftonville Football Club
