Cliftonville FC vs Newington Youth

McClelland's 45th-minute header was the single decisive moment. Had the teams gone in level at the break, Newington — who had created the clearer chances through Donnelly — would have carried real momentum into the second half. Instead, the Reds took the lead into the interval and managed the game effectively thereafter, limiting Newington to half-chances.

Kyle McClelland (Cliftonville) — The centre-back's goal was his most obvious contribution, but his defensive organisation alongside the back four helped keep a clean sheet in a game where Morrison was called into action several times. Player of the match.

PJ Morrison (Cliftonville) — The Scottish goalkeeper made two important saves from Donnelly, one in each half, and commanded his area well. Subbed off in the 74th minute.

Ruaidhri Donnelly (Newington) — The former Cliftonville striker was Newington's most dangerous attacking outlet, forcing two saves from Morrison and volleying over from a corner. Unlucky not to score on his return to Solitude.

Dean McMaster (Cliftonville) — The new signing looked lively on his debut, nearly setting up Healy in the opening minute and showing tidy passing in midfield before being replaced in the 51st minute.

The provider payload carries no detailed match statistics (shots, possession, xG), so a full statistical breakdown is not available. What the narrative tells us: Cliftonville created more openings across the 90 minutes — Healy, Campbell, Hale, O'Connor and Gormley all had sights of goal — but Newington's Donnelly chances were arguably the clearest of the match. The one-goal margin reflected a game in which both sides had spells of control, but the Reds' quality in the final third (and McClelland's aerial prowess) proved the difference.

Cliftonville's pre-season continues with three wins from four outings (defeat to Hibernian aside, plus wins over Armagh City, Moyola Park and now Newington). The Reds are building towards the 2026/27 Irish Premiership season, with their next friendly against Warrenpoint Town. Newington, playing their first pre-season campaign under Declan O'Hara, showed competitive moments and will take encouragement from Donnelly's threat and their defensive solidity against top-flight opposition.

The match also marked the formal beginning of Newington's groundshare at Solitude for the 2026/27 campaign, with the Boyle Sports Championship side set to play their home fixtures at the stadium.

A tight, local derby settled by a single moment of quality. Cliftonville's experience and depth told in the end, but Newington showed enough to suggest they will be competitive under O'Hara. McClelland's goal was well-taken and proved decisive in a game that never quite caught fire after the interval.