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Cliftonville beats Crusaders in league opener - report and highlights
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Cliftonville beats Crusaders in league opener - report and highlights

Cliftonville won 2–1, with the new players making important contributions.

9 August 2026✍️ María Nieves Gómez
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Cliftonville beats Crusaders in league opener - report and highlights

According to Sports.

Background

Cliftonville achieved an important win in this match with the help of their new players, which could boost their chances in the Irish Premiership. The impressive performance of players like Ben Quinn and Dean McMaster is a positive sign for the team, which may affect their performance in the upcoming matches.

Why it matters

The win for Cliftonville marks a strong start to their season in the Irish Premiership. Impressive performances from new players, particularly Ben Quinn and Dean McMaster, highlight the team's depth and potential. This win will give them confidence and strengthen their position in the upcoming matches.

Key Points

  • Cliftonville beats Crusaders in league opener - report and highlights.
  • Cliftonville won 2-1, with new players making important contributions..
  • Cliftonville beat Crusaders in league opener - report & highlights - Yahoo Sports.
Cliftonville Football Club beat North Belfast rivals Crusaders 2-1 in the Irish Premiership season opener with an impressive display from their new players. The match got off to a great start for Cliftonville, with Ben Quinn giving the team the lead in the 11th minute of the game. Quinn, who joined from Portadown in the summer, scored from close range.

In the second half, former Airdrieonian midfielder Dean McMaster scored the second goal from a beautiful free kick, doubling the team's lead. However, Crusaders substitute Eliot Dunlop scored a goal in stoppage time, but it was not enough for Cliftonville to earn the three points.After the match, Cliftonville coach Jim Magilton said, "We controlled large portions of the game. They were always a threat on the counter attack, even at the end." He also said, "It was the first match of the season, we played well and we remained a threat, that was the most enjoyable thing."

![Image](https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/0be2b11f36539e4a3b50dc3dfd3451f984078fc7ed55bea06b55035961703386/lightyear_networkapi/resiz efill_w1024_h576%3Bquality_80%3Bformat_webp/https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fbbc_us_articles_995%2F1d69aec1af02949b24063ee8a5c0d6c7)

Early in the match, Cliftonville scored the first goal in the 11th minute. Reece Campbell delivered a low cross from the left which headed towards goal and was converted by Quinn. The Crusaders slowly tried to get back into the game, but Cliftonville goalkeeper PJ Morrison stopped several attempts.Around the 30 minute mark, Cliftonville attempted to score their second goal, but Crusaders captain Robbie Weir had a shot blocked. In the second half, Cliftonville won a free kick on a foul by Hari Wilson, which McMaster converted.

Crusaders manager Declan Cadell said there were some positives from this first match, but he also admitted that the team missed some chances. "We tried everything we could in the last 10 or 15 minutes. It's the first game, there's room for improvement and we're looking forward to our home game against Ballymena United on Saturday," he said.

This win for Cliftonville will give them confidence heading into the season, while the Crusaders need to step up their game.

What will happen next

Cliftonville will now try to maintain their form and perform consistently in the next matches. Under the leadership of Jim Magilton, the team will have to further improve their strategies in order to remain in the race for top spot in the Irish Premiership. For the Crusaders, they will need to learn from their mistakes and bounce back in the next match.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the score of the match between Cliftonville and Crusaders?

Cliftonville defeated Crusaders 2-1.

What impact did Cliftonville's win have on the league table?

Cliftonville got three points with this win, which helps them get a good start in the league.

Who scored the goals in the match for Cliftonville?

Ben Quinn and Dean McMaster scored for Cliftonville.

Who scored the Crusaders' only goal?

Elliot Dunlop scored a goal in stoppage time for the Crusaders.

When is Cliftonville's next match?

The date of the next match is not mentioned in the article.

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Cliftonville beats Crusaders in league opener - report and highlights