Cliftonville FC goalkeeper PJ Morrison played through pain to help his side secure a 3-1 Premiership win over Portadown on Saturday. The victory, powered by a Brian Healy brace and a Ben Quinn strike, lifts the Reds to fourth in the league standings with nine points from their opening five matches.
Morrison had been forced off after 50 minutes the previous week with a rib injury against Dungannon Swifts. He underwent a late fitness test on Saturday morning and was declared fit to start, a decision manager Jim Magilton praised for its bravery. "Anyone that has ever suffered a rib injury will surely testify that it’s pretty sore, so he had to be ready for the game," Magilton told the club's website. "He wanted to play, that showed great determination."
His presence was immediately felt. With Cliftonville leading 1-0 in the first half, Morrison produced what his manager called "a magnificent save" to deny Portadown's Eamon Fyfe. That stop proved key in maintaining momentum before the hosts extended their lead. The 16-year-old Matthew Belshaw was on standby, ready for a potential Premiership debut, but Morrison's resilience meant he wasn't required. Morrison's commitment was a clear boost for a side looking to bounce back from a loss.
Brian Healy was the primary marksman, netting twice to put Cliftonville in command. Summer signing Ben Quinn, who joined from a Co Armagh side, added the third goal to seal the result. Portadown managed a consolation through Eamon Fyfe after 65 minutes, but the three points were never in serious doubt. The win shows the attacking options available to Magilton as his team builds momentum.
The three points are vital in the early season picture. Cliftonville now sit fourth in the NIFL Premiership, having taken nine points from a possible fifteen. Their goal difference stands at +3, with eight scored and five conceded. They remain four points behind league leaders Coleraine FC, a gap they will look to close when the two teams meet next.
That upcoming fixture is a major focus. Cliftonville host table-toppers Coleraine at home on December 12th in a match that could significantly shape the title race. Preparation for that clash will continue over the coming weeks, with the full schedule available on our fixtures page. Morrison, who signed a contract extension in April to keep him at Solitude until 2028, will hope to be fully fit for that key encounter. The keeper originally joined the club from Alloa Athletic ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
