RELEGATION/PROMOTION PLAY-OFF (FIRST LEG)

Match report: Ards Fc May 2nd 2000

ARDS FC

          Cliftonville came away winners in the  relegation/promotion play-off match with Ards of the First Division. All the goals coming in the second half preceeding a first half which didnt inspire either teams. CLiftonville with  a near strenght line-up though without the suberb Tommy McCallion with back playing was Jodi Tolan, the young Irishman.
             Many expected the visitors to beat Ards comprehensivly, the Reds won, but not without a fight from Ards. A terrible first half was suberbly overshadowed by a two goal cushion for the 'Ville.
            The MOTM against Linfield Peter Murray saw his shot crack the upright with the Ards keeper stranded, but that was the only real incident apart from a few long range shots early in the first half that was worth mentioning. Early pressure from Cliftonville, resulted in a penalty for Cliftonville, , NIxion bringing down the Dubliner Alan O'Conner in the box and up stepped the influential Peter Murray  who passed his penalty kick into the palm of the Ards keeper giving Ards a taste of things to come, possibly?                                                                                                                                                   That incident was on 51 minutes, 12 minutes later Cliftonville took the lead with a well taken 25 yards shot by Keith Mulvenna which shot past the stranded keeper to give them a 1-0 lead and precious away goal. Hartly made two good saves, diving at the feet of the Ards fowards twice, but that was really all  the Cliftonville back line had to do all night.                                                                                                 The referees assistant held up 4 minutes, which worked to the Reds advantage who protected their slender lead, by doubling it with a Ronan Scannell goal. A long ball from Marty Tabb, played to the feet of Scannell, who buried it past the keeper Burns, giving the 'Ville a two goal cushion and breathing space for the second leg on Thursday night. Lets hope the Reds show a Champion performance like they did at Winsdor Park when we beat the so called "Champions" 2-1. Hopefully the Solitude crowd can spur the Reds to win and show the fans that they can play football when they want to, but on a consistant basis. Come on REDS lets get it together and not let our precious two goal lead slip away from us. UP THE REDS!!!!