Reds boss Breslin says Saturday was always the priority

Cliftonville boss Tommy Breslin could have no complaints after his side were comprehensively beaten by Cork City at Turner's Cross last night.

The Reds boss made nine changes from the side which defeated Donegal Celtic in the Irish Cup on Saturday, and with a long journey coupled with a league-clinching game with second place Crusaders this coming weekend, he felt it was best to rest most of his key men.

Cork were comfortable winners in their opening competitive game of the season, thanks to goals from Gearóid Morrissey, Ian Turner (2) and new signing Daryl Kavanagh.

“Cork looked fresher and it was a big ask to come down and play after jumping off the bus. We have no complaints," Breslin said afterwards, pointing towards Saturday's trip to Shore Road as the side's number one priority.

“We had a tough game 48 hours ago and we tried to go as strong as we could but with a big game this coming weekend we had a couple of knocks and I didn’t want to risk them.

However, he did say that despite facing what would appear to be an insurmountable deficit in the second leg, they will still do their best to fashion a comeback in the second leg next Monday at Solitude: “We’ll give it a lash next week but four goals is a lot. We will see what happens, but Saturday's our main concern.”

A win over Crusaders would put them 15 points clear in their pursuit for a first title since 1998.