Magilton rues concession of poor goals in Euro defeat

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton felt his side performed well in their Uefa Conference League second round qualifier against FK Auda beyond the two goals conceded in the 2-1 first-leg defeat at Solitude.

The Irish Cup winners will travel to Latvia needing victory next week after Abiodun Ogunniyi and Abdulraham Taiwo netted for the visitors either side of debutant Luke Conlan‘s goal.

“Two poor goals that would cost you at any level,” reflected Magilton.

“Regardless of the opposition you can’t concede goals like that. We’re very, very disappointed.

“In terms of our organisation, in terms of our structure, the team, how we set up, I thought we were excellent other than the two goals.”

Despite the losses of strikers Ronan Hale, Ben Wilson and Sam Ashford over the summer, the Reds did create chances of their own with Jonny Addis drawing a save from visiting goalkeeper Krisjanis Zviedris, while Shaun Leppard’s late header fell just wide.

“Courage,” said Magilton when asked what his side needed in order to overturn the deficit away from home next week.

“Take the opportunities presented to us and still play with the same intensity, the same concentration, play within the shape and play with the belief to really go and get a result.”