Cliftonville boss Paddy McLaughlin insists title pressure didn’t spook his players in Saturday’s scoreless draw with Larne at Solitude.
A win would have propelled the Reds to the top of the Danske Bank Premiership, above Linfield who were held to a 1-1 draw with Glentoran on Friday night.
But the North Belfast men struggled to find their form and rhythm and had to settle for a share of the spoils that kept them a point below the Blues with three games left.
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“I didn’t go into the game and the players didn’t go into the game under any kind of pressure no matter what happened on Friday night,” said McLaughlin.
“I didn’t feel that and I’m sure the players were the same. We knew we were playing against a good side and all week the only pressure was on getting a good result.
“We knew we were playing against one of the top sides of the division who are similar to ourselves and try to play through the three zones.
“If you let them do that, they’ll hurt you badly, so we knew it would be a tough game.”
Cliftonville’s best chance in their final home game of the season saw Jamie McDonagh rattle the crossbar, but at the other end Luke Turner did superbly to clear a Davy McDaid effort off the line.
“I just think our decision making and a wee lack of quality in the final third was evident throughout the game,” said McLaughlin.
“Bar Jamie hitting the crossbar and Joe (Gormley) having an effort blocked by Graham Kelly, I don’t remember their keeper pulling off too many great saves.
“That can happen when you’re playing against a good side. They can nullify your threat and we probably did the same to them.”
Cliftonville, who last lifted the Gibson Cup in 2014, are next in action on Tuesday night when they face Coleraine at the Showgrounds.
Leaders Linfield travel to in-form Crusaders, with third-placed Glentoran, who lie six points off the summit, hosting Larne at the BetMcLean Oval.
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