Hale's goal 'really top-class' - Magilton

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton says that Rory Hale's goal was 'top class' and praised his side's work ethic, attitude and application during their 1-0 victory against Coleraine at Solitude.

The Reds broke the deadlock just before the break when Rory Hale converted Keevan Hawthorne's pass.

Cliftonville are now unbeaten in their last 16 games against the Bannsiders, who remain top of the table despite the defeat.

"In the end, you can take a deep breath when the game is over," Magilton told BBC Sport NI.

"I thought the goal we scored was a really top-class goal and if you watch football all weekend, you might not see a better goal in terms of the way we moved, passed the ball and Rory's finish.

"We dug in so well. I thought our work ethic, attitude and our application were outstanding and another clean sheet [their fourth in a row in the league]."

After a challenging start to the season, when the Reds were without a victory in their opening four games, they have found form and now move into the top six.

Magilton's side sit three points behind fifth-placed Dungannon Swifts.

Cliftonville's attention now turns to Tuesday night, when they face Ballymena United for a spot in the County Antrim Shield final.

"It is about building on the confidence and the momentum in the football club and the players," Magilton continued.

"We have a more settled team now and that is important in selection and players coming off the bench have to add worth and value. Today they did that.

"We won the game today and we have to build on that coming into December when we have a lot of games."