Jim Magilton hails Cliftonville’s character as Ben Wilson’s double piles more misery on Ballymena United

Ballymena United 0 Cliftonville 2

Ben Wilson scored a double for Cliftonville against Ballymena United

Cliftonville boss Jim Magilton hailed his team’s character and mentality after another good day at the office at the Ballymena United Showgrounds.

Striker Ben Wilson hit a delicious double to take his goal tally to eight for the season, helping the Reds to their second big win in a week after they thumped north Belfast rivals Crusaders on Monday night.

“It was a bit like after the Lord Mayor’s Show, we had to back up the great performance against Crusaders with another big showing – we had to find a way to win and we did,” beamed Magilton.

“We scored two goals but missed a few, but you’d take that all day long. It was important we came here and won the game.”

The Reds required merely 19 minutes to forge into the lead. Chris Gallagher picked the pocket of United new boy Dylan Boyle, who was making his debut after signing from Fleetwood Town, before finding Rory Hale.

The Reds skipper slipped a sublime ball to Wilson, whose finish was ruthless, drilling low under the body of Sean O’Neill.

Wilson did it again on 16 minutes. Again Hale was the provider with a peach of a pass and the former Brighton man drilled home.

“Ben has been fantastic since he’s come to the club,” purred Magilton. “I’ve known him a long time, I’ve great belief in him. He has really hit the ground running and he’s only going to get better, he’s a wonderful finisher.

“But it’s a team effort. Rory (Hale) has been brilliant from day one. He has really struck up a great partnership with Ben, it’s a great combination.

“Sam Ashford missed a few chances but he is a catalyst for all that is good about us in terms of hard work and endeavour.

“We are very much a