Cliftonville suffered a third consecutive league defeat on Saturday, losing 1-0 to Limavady United at the Showgrounds. Jamie McGonigle scored the only goal of the game in the first half.

McGonigle capitalised on a poor clearance by Cliftonville goalkeeper PJ Morrison in the 19th minute, lifting the ball over the keeper and into an empty net. The goal came after Alfie Gaston applied pressure on Morrison, whose clearance was charged down by McGonigle.

Cliftonville manager Jim Magilton made five changes from the side that lost 2-1 to Glentoran the previous weekend. Aaron Wightman, Dan O'Connor, Luke Conlon, Joe Sheridan and Joe Gormley came into the starting line-up. Shaun Leppard, Ben Quinn, Rhyss Campbell, Ollie Samuels and Liam McStravick dropped out, with the latter two missing through injury.

Magilton described his team's performance as poor and embarrassing at times, citing a lack of quality and intensity. He said the team did not test the opposition goalkeeper and acknowledged making several tactical changes during the match in an attempt to spark improvement. He accepted full responsibility for the result, noting that he picked the team and made the changes.

The manager added that the team had a late rally but it was too little, too late. He referred to a bit of pushing and shoving in the closing stages as gimmicky and show, not what fans expect. He said fans expect a team that plays attacking football with passion and energy, but the last two performances have been really poor.

Limavady had multiple chances to extend their lead. Gaston shot past the post, McGonigle clipped the top of the bar, and Morrison made a smart save to deny Ruairi Boorman's goalbound header. In the second half, McGonigle's turn and shot drew another stop from Morrison.

Cliftonville pressed late on, with Keevan Hawthorne forcing a save from Limavady goalkeeper Marty Gallagher and Dean McMaster having an effort gathered after a parry. Kyle McClelland headed against the bar from a Ben Quinn corner, but Limavady held on for the win.

The defeat leaves Cliftonville with much to address as they look to stop a run of three straight league losses. Limavady United earned their third league win of the season.