Irish Premiership: Donegal Celtic 0-1 Cliftonville
Last updated on .From the section Football
Stephen Garrett gave Cliftonville a 1-0 victory at Donegal Celtic and extended their lead at the top of the Irish Premiership to nine points.
Garrett ran on to Liam Boyce's deft flick through and went on to beat home keeper Niall Murphy on 37 minutes.
Striker Mark Miskimmin hooked a chance wide for DC early in the second half.
"Donegal Celtic made it hard for us but there is a belief in our changing room that we can do things this season," said matchwinner Garrett.
"It was all about the three points tonight. The pitch was not great but the early goal settled us down."
On the goal, Garrett said: "When the ball finds Liam's feet you know he can find you. I just made the run."
Tommy Breslin's Reds, now nine points ahead of second-placed Crusaders, are away to Portadown on Saturday while Donegal Celtic are at home to champions Linfield.
"It was a battle and we are delighted with the three points," said manager Breslin.
"These are the type of matches you have to win if you are going to win the league.
"We showed we can grind out results - we cannot always win by scoring pretty goals."
