Cliftonville FC manager Jim Magilton has reflected on his team's 3-1 Boyle Sports Premiership victory over Portadown, a result that provides a positive talking point for the Reds as they build towards the new campaign. The win came as the club, which finished fifth in the final 2025 table with 47 points from 33 games, also celebrated Ben Quinn being voted the supporters' Player of the Month for August.
Speaking to reporters Club, Magilton expressed satisfaction with the three points, especially after a defeat to Dungannon Swifts the previous week. He acknowledged his side could have been more clinical after establishing a 3-0 lead through Brian Healy's double and a Ben Quinn header. Portadown fought back with a goal from Eamon Fyfe, making the final stages tense.
Magilton highlighted key individual performances. He was delighted for striker Brian Healy, whose two goals were his first of the season after being frustrated by offside calls. The manager also praised a key one-handed save from goalkeeper PJ Morrison, who played through a rib injury. "He had a late fitness test and showed great courage today," Magilton said. "Anyone that has ever suffered a rib injury will surely testify that it's pretty sore."
The 21-year-old midfielder secured 34% of the fan vote to claim the season's first monthly award. Quinn made an immediate impact after joining, scoring on his debut against Crusaders and again in the league win over Bangor the following week. His consistent performances at the start of the season clearly resonated with the supporters.
Kyle McClelland and Liam McStravick finished second and third respectively in the polling. The club thanked all fans who participated and encouraged similar engagement when the vote for September opens in a few weeks. Quinn's award adds a personal highlight to a team that scored 49 goals last season but conceded 48, finishing with a narrow +1 goal difference.
Last season's fifth-place finish left Cliftonville 26 points behind champions Larne. The team's recent form at the end of the 2025 campaign was mixed, recorded as LWWLL. Building consistency will be a focus as they prepare for the new Premiership season and aim to improve on that standing.
The next scheduled fixture for the Reds is a home match against Coleraine FC on December 12, 2026. Coleraine finished third in the table last season, making it a tough early test. Fans can track the full build-up and schedule on the club's fixtures page, while the latest standings provide ongoing context for the new campaign.
