Solitude, home of Cliftonville FC based in North Belfast and play their trade in the Northern Irish Premiership.
Northern Ireland’s oldest football club! Today they face Dungannon Swifts to see off my weekend in Belfast! Let’s go! On the way to the ground to find a bar for the early kick off of Luton & Tottenham and here we go in McLaughlin’s Bar! Tottenham win 1-0… Always next time Luton! Now for the walk to the ground.
£13 to watch this Northern Irish tie! Fabulous! The teams are ready! Second place is up for grabs Cliftonville, can they get it? Let’s find out!
Kick Off! Dungannon have started the better of the 2 teams so far. 18 minutes in and Dungannon are still pressing the Cliftonville goal, Kealan Dillon has it and he shoots from 25 yards… Just over! Dungannon are getting closer!
2 minutes later and Dungannon come down the left, it’s played across to Maguire in plenty of space in the box, is this the moment…? NO! He’s hit the bar! What a chance that was for Dungannon!
24th minute and here come Cliftonville down the left, it’s played across the middle and here’s Gormley… WHAT A SAVE! Somehow the keeper has kept it out but it’s not over yet as Cliftonville have it on the right, it’s crossed back in, Ben Wilson with the header… It’s there!! Cliftonville take the lead despite Dungannon’s pressure! If you don’t take your chances you will be made to pay!!! 1-0!
30th minute and Cliftonville are starting to take control now! It’s played forward to Ben Wilson in the box and he makes space for the shot… He’s deceived the keeper has he…? Yes he has! He gets a hand to it but it’s trickled in! 2-0!
Cliftonville continue to press but it stays at 2-0 at half time.
Second half, 50 minutes now and Cliftonville have it on the right, it’s crossed in, Ben Wilson with the free header… The keeper can’t keep it out!! Hat-trick hero!! 3-0!
2 minutes later and it’s a through ball to Joe Gormley for Cliftonville who’s onside and out comes the keeper… He goes for the lob… BRILLIANT!!! FOUR!! 4-0!
It’s becoming a training exercise for Cliftonville now. 82 minutes and here they come again on the right, it’s a lovely passing move and it comes to Samuel Ashford… That is absolutely sensational!! WHAT A GOAL!! 5-0! Job done for Cliftonville!
FT: Cliftonville 5-0 Dungannon Swifts
Ratings
- Atmosphere: 4/10 – A bit underwhelming to be honest… I was expecting better!
- The Ground: 9.5/10 – Fabulous ground! Bags of character and a picturesque view from the top of the stand but with nothing on the side, I can’t give full marks otherwise it would be!
- Expense: 10/10 – £13 again! Amazing for the top league!
- Overall Experience: 7/10 – Enjoyed it! Wanted a bit more atmosphere but got goals instead! Glad I’ve ticked it off!
30.5/40