Cliftonville FC secured a commanding 4-0 victory over Knockbreda at Solitude to advance in the County Antrim Shield. Liam McStravick and Joe Gormley each scored two goals in a match that also saw senior debuts for Cillian Murray and Matthew Belshaw.
This comfortable win provides a positive start to the cup campaign for a Cliftonville side that finished fifth in the Premiership last season, with 47 points from 33 games. The club's standings page shows they ended the 2025 campaign 26 points behind champions Larne, having scored 49 goals and conceded 48. Their next competitive fixture is a home league match against third-placed Coleraine FC on December 12th, a key date on the fixtures list.
Manager Paddy McLaughlin made nine changes to his starting lineup, handing opportunities to several squad players. The new-look side took control early. Joe Gormley was twice denied by Knockbreda goalkeeper Owen Sames in the opening stages, while Shaun Leppard fired a shot wide. The breakthrough came when Luke Conlan provided the assist for Liam McStravick to slot home his first senior goal for the club. McStravick then doubled his tally before the interval, putting Cliftonville firmly in command. Alex Bannon shot wide from a good position just before halftime.
Knockbreda defender Jordan Blair was busy, blocking efforts from both Matthew Belshaw and Joe Gormley. The visitors had a rare chance when Tim Millar-Wilson missed an opportunity, with Rhyss Campbell and Ben Quinn also sending shots off target.
Liam McStravick was the story of the first half with his quickfire double. He later passed up a clear chance for a hat-trick, laying off a pass for Gormley that was intercepted by Jordan Blair. Joe Gormley eventually got his reward in the second period, nodding in from close range after Rhyss Campbell headed down a Brian Healy cross. Gormley then completed his brace with a fine individual effort, sitting his marker down before finding the bottom corner.
In midfield, Keevan Hawthorne went close with a long-range effort. The defensive unit, marshalled by debutant Matthew Belshaw in goal, kept a clean sheet. The full match statistics are available on the club's stats page.
The wholesale changes and resulting performance highlight the strength of the Cliftonville squad. Cillian Murray's senior debut and Matthew Belshaw's first appearance were significant milestones. Unused substitutes Rory McInerney, Ronan Hale, and Kyle McClelland provide further options. The ability to rotate heavily and still produce a comprehensive win is a major positive for the management team as they balance competitions.
Joe Sheridan, introduced from the bench, forced a save from Owen Sames in the 72nd minute. Earlier, Sames had to be alert to prevent an own goal from his own defender, Joel Given. At the other end, a low cross from Ben Quinn in the final moments evaded both Healy and Gormley. The team now looks ahead to its next challenge, a Premiership clash with Coleraine at Solitude on December 12th.
