Cliftonville president Paddy McLaughlin believes Joe Gormley “found himself at his best at the right time” because the title race is a waste of time.
Gormley beat Portadown 2-0 on Monday, a result that put the Reds ahead of leaders Linfield with five points from the end.
The 32-year-old has turned 23 this season, his seventh goal in his last five games in all of The Solitude Club’s competitions.
It includes Jurmala’s last game, Brescia in the League Cup final, league goals against Glenavon, Dangannon and Porte, and Friday’s first game in the Irish Cup, defeating the Crusaders.
“Joe called Jules for a reason,” McLaughlin said. “He’s an exceptional player, he’s scored great goals and is in perfect shape at the right time of the season.
“The big games need big names to grow and there is no bigger name in the Irish Football League that Joe Gormley plays.
“He has shown it time after time, season after season, and if it continues like this until the final blow of the season, you never know where that could lead us.
“He’s been brilliant in March and now he’s starting April in good shape, so we’re glad he’s at his best and at his best.”
Gormel had to be patient at the end of the year when he was mostly used off the bench but has now started all of Cliftonville’s last three Premier League games.
“In many ways, Joe was a little concerned because Ryan Curran was scoring goals early in the season when Joe had some injuries,” McLaughlin said.
“But now Joe will hit 23 goals this season. This is a great comeback and hopefully there will be more goals.
“Ryan and Paul (O’Neal) too. We’re at the end of the economic season and it’s important that our captains keep scoring. It’s good that everyone is doing well.”
Gormley came home in the first half and scored a second in the 73rd minute to give Cliftonville three invaluable points at Shamrock Park.
This leaves the Reds excited ahead of Saturday’s first and second game against the Blues at Solitude.
With five matches remaining, it’s all in the title race.
“Portdown was in good shape and they were threatening top player Adam Sally up front, so that was a good three points for us,” said McLaughlin.
“Now we will split into five huge matches. It will be five difficult matches, but it will be the same for all the other teams. We will pick them up from Saturday.”
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Source: Belfastlive
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