Cliftonville 2–1 Warrenpoint Town: Reds Edge Thrilling Comeback in Pre-Season Friendly

Cliftonville kicked off their pre-season campaign with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Warrenpoint Town at Solitude on 22 July 2026. The match, part of the International Club Friendly series, saw the Reds recover from an early deficit to take control in the second half.

Warrenpoint took a shock lead inside the first 15 minutes, capitalising on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range. However, Cliftonville responded with growing pressure, and the equaliser arrived before half-time through a well-worked set-piece routine, finished by a striker’s header at the back post.

The decisive moment came midway through the second half, when a rapid counter-attack caught the Warrenpoint defence out of shape, and a composed finish from the left wing gave Cliftonville the lead. The hosts then managed the game professionally, seeing out the final 20 minutes without major scares.

Match Highlights

• 15′ – Warrenpoint Town goal (0–1): Quick break and finish from inside the box.
• 38′ – Cliftonville equaliser (1–1): Header from a corner kick.
• 62′ – Cliftonville go ahead (2–1): Counter-attack goal after a poor Warrenpoint pass.

For Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton, the performance showed promising fitness levels and tactical adaptability. The Reds will now look ahead to further friendlies before the start of the NIFL Premiership season.