Friendlies Clubs· Season 2026
Alvechurch beat Cliftonville 2-1 at Solitude in a pre-season friendly. McStravick equalised for the Reds but Kelly headed the winner in the 96th minute.
Match Analysis
AI SummaryHow it unfolded
A goalless first half saw Cliftonville create the better chances. Rhyss Campbell and Brian Healy both threatened for the home side, but the deadlock remained intact at the break.
Alvechurch struck first five minutes after the restart. Miracle Okafor put the Southern League Premier Division Central side ahead in the 50th minute, capitalising on a moment of uncertainty in the Cliftonville defence.
Manager Jim Magilton turned to his bench just past the hour, introducing McStravick and Conlan among four half-time substitutions. The changes paid off in the 80th minute: McStravick, making his first pre-season appearance, popped up to level the scores with 11 minutes of normal time remaining.
A share of the spoils looked likely until deep into second-half stoppage time. Alvechurch won a succession of corners and, with the clock showing 90+6, Jack Kelly rose highest to head in from close range and snatch victory for the visitors.
The turning point
The sequence of Alvechurch corners deep into added time proved decisive. Cliftonville had looked comfortable defending set pieces until Kelly's late intervention, a reminder of the concentration required in the final minutes of any pre-season workout.
Key performers
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Liam McStravick (Cliftonville): Introduced on 62 minutes, the midfielder scored his first goal of pre-season with a composed finish just 11 minutes from time. A positive sign ahead of the new Boyle Sports Premiership campaign.
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Jack Kelly (Alvechurch): The match-winner. His 96th-minute header from a corner ensured Alvechurch returned to England with a victory that their persistence in the closing stages deserved.
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Miracle Okafor (Alvechurch): Opened the scoring early in the second half with a well-taken finish, giving the visitors a platform to build on.
By the numbers — interpreted
The match was tight throughout, with the 0-0 half-time scoreline reflecting a first period of few clear-cut chances despite Cliftonville's territorial advantage. Alvechurch's goal five minutes into the second half shifted the dynamic, forcing the Reds to chase the game. McStravick's equaliser came from Cliftonville's spell of sustained pressure, but the late corner barrage — and Kelly's finish — demonstrated Alvechurch's threat from set pieces.
What it means
This was Cliftonville's sixth pre-season friendly as they build towards the new Boyle Sports Premiership season, which kicks off in just over a fortnight. Alvechurch, plying their trade in the Southern League Premier Division Central (tier seven of the English pyramid), continue their own pre-season schedule with a creditable win over a Northern Ireland top-flight side.
Cliftonville's next pre-season fixture is at home on Wednesday 29 July 2026 (7pm kick-off). Alvechurch return to action in England with their own preparations continuing.
Verdict
A useful workout for both sides. Cliftonville will take encouragement from McStravick's sharp return but will want to tighten up on set-piece defending in the closing stages. Alvechurch's late resolve and organisation under pressure will please their management as they build towards their league campaign.
Match Events
Key match events between Cliftonville FC and Alvechurch — 3 goals and 0 cards recorded during the match.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 26 Jul 2026