Same again, says Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton ahead of this evening’s Sports Direct Premiership clash against Linfield at Windsor Park.
Linfield are 15 points in front of the chasing pack and are looking good to win the Gibson Cup this season.
But the Reds, who are in fifth position, 20 points behind the table toppers, are in the ascendancy in terms of this season’s results.
After beating Linfield in the Irish Cup Final last season, Magilton’s team has carried that form into the two encounters this season, holding the Blues at Solitude and winning 2-1 at Windsor in October.
The former Northern Ireland midfielder would dearly love to see an action replay of that game in South Belfast tomorrow.
“That would be ideal,” quipped the Solitude boss.
“It’s probably as well as we have played anytime this season, we’ve flattered to deceive in games.
“After that game we looked to bounce on but it never really materialised, so a repeat of that would be wonderful.
“Lessons have been learned, I’m sure, from a Linfield point of view, but we’ve got to go there with the same mentality and the same positive nature we exuded.
“We’ve got to play our brand of football against their wonderful brand of football.
“It’s amazing to think some people think they aren’t doing really well yet they are 15 points clear.
“David uses that as motivational fuel for his players and that will continue from now until the end of the season.
“From our point of view, we’ve got to build up a head of steam and build momentum.
“It’s a wonderful game. Players seem to raise their game and their levels when they go there – rightly so, why shouldn’t they?
“Linfield are league leaders, they’re having a fantastic season so we’ve got to stand up and be counted.”
The Blues certainly carry stronger form into the game as they have won six of their last seven games, drawing the other with Glentoran.
Cliftonville lost three games in a row over Christmas but bounced back to win three of their last four games in all competitions, including a 2-0 win over Loughgall last weekend.
That showed character because after losing three in a row tragic news came through on December 30.
Both clubs were rocked by the sudden death of Michael Newberry, the popular Cliftonville defender who spent three years at Windsor Park.
His passing will be marked at the game this evening and Magilton spoke of the impact his death had on his squad after Newberry was buried ten days ago.
“Loughgall deserved something from the game because they were good, and we were so bad.
“It was a pretty emotional weekend but we’ll always remember Michael.
“Something will be done at the game today, which is really good.
“We’re never going to forget Michael and the impact he had on our lives, nor should we.”