Cliftonville FC were on the receiving end of a 5-1 drubbing by Hibernian on July 3, 2026, as the Scottish side continued their pre‑season build‑up. Thibault Klidje struck twice, sealing a comfortable win for the Edinburgh club.

What happened on the pitch?

The match kicked off at Easter Road with Hibs pressing early. Jason Kerr headed the opening goal from an Owen Elding cross, only for Cliftonville captain Rory Hale to equalise moments later. A deflected effort from Nicky Cadden restored Hibs’ lead, and Martin Boyle added a third before the break. After the interval, Klidje entered and scored from close range, then completed his brace with a finish from a Chris Cadden pass as Hibs played the final 20 minutes with ten men.

How does the result affect Cliftonville FC’s season outlook?

While a friendly loss carries little weight in the table, it highlights defensive frailties that could linger. Cliftonville sit 5th in the Premiership with 47 points from 33 games (13W‑8D‑12L) and a recent form of LWWLL. Their goal tally stands at 49 scored and 48 conceded, a slim +1 difference, and they sit 26 points behind leaders Larne. The defeat follows a 1‑2 loss to Dungannon Swifts on May 9, 2026, and a recent run of three wins and two defeats.

Who stood out for Cliftonville?

Rory Hale, the club captain, showed resilience by leveling the score, but the side struggled to contain Hibs’ attacking flow. Owen Elding’s cross that led to Kerr’s header was a bright moment, yet the defence allowed five clear chances. The team will need to tighten up at the back if they hope to climb the table.

What’s next for Cliftonville FC?

The club returns to league action next week, hoping to convert the lessons from this friendly into points. Managerial staff will likely review the defensive lapses exposed by Hibs, especially the set‑piece vulnerability that led to Klidje’s second goal. Fans will be watching closely as Cliftonville aim to improve their recent form and close the gap on the top‑four.

And with the season entering its decisive phase, every point matters. The next fixture could be the barometer for whether the team can bounce back from this setback.