Cliftonville FC returned to winning ways with a convincing 3-1 home victory over Portadown in the BoyleSports Premiership on Saturday. Brian Healy scored two goals and provided an assist to lead his team to three points that lift them to fourth place in the league table.
The win halted a two-match losing streak in the league. Cliftonville now has nine points from five games, with three wins and two losses. They are four points behind current leaders Coleraine FC as the early-season picture takes shape.
Cliftonville took the lead in the 18th minute through Brian Healy, who finished from a Dean McMaster pass. Rory Hale had a goal chalked off for offside in the 27th minute, a moment soon followed by a fine one-handed save from Portadown's PJ Morrison. Healy then turned provider, setting up Ben Quinn for the second goal before the break.
Healy completed his double early in the second half, netting again in the 52nd minute to make it 3-0. Portadown managed a reply through Eamon Fyfe in the 65th minute, but Cliftonville controlled the remainder of the game to secure the result. The performance was a positive response from Jim Magilton's side after defeats to Linfield and Dungannon Swifts.
The club's new 'Matchday Perspectives' programme, written by fan Sean McKinney, captured the unique atmosphere. "It's great to be back at Solitude after such a long break!" McKinney said. Red Arnie welcomed the teams out, while Ardoyne Youth Club formed a guard of honour. A group of honorary supporters from London and Birmingham attended as part of a stag weekend.
Thirteen banners were displayed by home fans, representing locations including Aberdeen, Antrim, Randalstown, and Larne. A Suicide Awareness banner and a Michael Newberry CSC banner were also visible. The famous 'Cliftonville FC Belfast' banner, previously spotted at Republic of Ireland internationals, was flown in memory of its owner, 'World Cup Kenny' Murdock.
Brian Healy was the standout performer with his two goals and an assist, directly influencing every Cliftonville goal. His partnership with Ben Quinn, who scored the second, proved effective. Goalkeeper PJ Morrison's important save in the first half maintained momentum for the Reds.
Joe Sheridan, wearing the number 41 shirt, was handed his first league start of the campaign. Supporter Sean McKinney noted he was a former classmate from St Malachy’s College. McKinney, who first attended a match in April 2013, recalled the title-clinching moment from that season. "My first match was as a six-year-old back in April 2013, when George McMullan scored an injury-time penalty against Linfield to secure the League title," he said.
The immediate focus shifts to a top-of-the-table clash. Cliftonville's next fixture is at home against league leaders Coleraine FC on December 12th. The full list of upcoming games is available on the club's fixtures page. With eight goals scored and five conceded so far this season, the team's goal difference stands at +3. Supporters can monitor the team's position in the live standings.
Manager Jim Magilton will assess his options from the complete squad list ahead of the meeting with Coleraine. The victory moves Cliftonville's recent form to WLLWW and provides a confidence boost ahead of the busy schedule.
