CLIFTONVILLE boss Jim Magilton paid tribute to his players for how they dealt with a “very emotional” week.
The funeral of 27-year-old Reds defender Michael Newberry – who died suddenly just after Christmas – took place during the week in England and Magilton admitted it had been difficult to focus on Saturday’s meeting with Loughgall at Solitude which the the Reds won 2-0 through second-half goals from Jonny Addis and Stephen McGuinness.
“It’s been a very emotional week with the funeral of a team-mate. Michael Newberry meant so much to us all,” said Magilton.
As for the match, he added: “We didn’t play particularly well which in the circumstances was understandable.
“But Loughgall were outstanding. We were lucky not to be behind at half-time. We allowed a good team to play. We were better in the second half.”
The Reds are in fifth, with the Villagers nine points adrift of Carrick at the bottom having played two games more.
The lights went out at the Oval – and possibly on champions Larne’s faint Sports Direct Premiership title hopes – the match abandoned before the hour mark with the score against hosts Glentoran at 0-0.
The floodlight failure cut short the dress rehearsal between the sides for Tuesday night’s ToalsBet.com Co Antrim Shield final at Seaview.
NI Football League CEO Gerard Lawlor was at the match and felt the right action was taken.
“It’s disappointing for everyone but the sensible decision was made. The referee made the right call. Larne have exited the two cups so there may be some dates there (to rearrange the fixture),” he said.
Larne boss Gary Haveron was philosophical about the situation despite his side now having to fit in six matches in hand – as a result of European commitments – on runaway leaders Linfield, who they trail by 22 points.
“Apparently the generator was leaking and overheating. There was no point starting again if we couldn’t get it finished,” said Haveron.
“It’s really unfortunate and the last thing we need is another game. We are a little bit the victims of our own success. We want to climb the table and close the gap on the Blues.
“The Shield final will be very different. The Oval pitch was a bit bumpy while obviously Seaview is a 3g pitch. It’s also a tighter pitch.”
Joel Cooper – earmarked for a move to big-spending Coleraine in the summer – bagged a first-half hat-trick in Linfield’s 3-1 win at Portadown, Rabby Minzamba grabbing a consolation for the home side.
The Blues are 15 points clear of second-placed Dungannon Swifts with a match in hand and boss David Healy was quick to praise the “selfless” work of former Antrim GAA star Matthew Fitzpatrick in leading the line.
“Matthew Fitzpatrick is selfless and works his socks off. He’s a real team player. His qualities and attributes are second to none,” he said.
Of Cooper’s proposed move, Healy said: “The only thing that matters to me is that Joel Cooper is here now.”
As for the victory over the fourth-placed Ports, he added: “We had a first-half blitz. It was probably surprising. There was always going to be a reaction from Portadown in the second half. Coming to Shamrock Park and getting a result is difficult.”
Crusaders had a 2-0 win at Coleraine, while Carrick Rangers and Ballymena United drew 0-0 at Taylor’s Avenue.