Paddy McLaughlin says Cliftonville used the motivation of boxing superfan Owen O'Neill as they claimed a gutsy 1-0 win over Glentoran at the Oval.
Ryan Curran's stunning volley in the eighth minute proved the knockout blow in Sunday's clash in front of the Sky Sports cameras.
McLaughlin's men were also denied by the woodwork when Ronan Doherty's shot cannoned off the underside of the crossbar, while Glentoran were left wounded on the ropes when Shay McCartan earned a straight red card for a clumsy challenge on Rory Hale in the 73rd minute.
Read more: Conor McMenamin starts for Glentoran in 'Lazarus-like' comeback
Reds supporter O'Neill was in attendance on Sunday, just hours after he claimed the BUI Celtic super-welterweight title with a KO win over Owen Duffy.
O'Neill wore his Cliftonville jersey into the ring on Saturday night, and Reds supremo McLaughlin credited the unbeaten fighter for inspiring his own players.
"Our main motivation today was one of our fans, Owen O'Neill. He fought toe-to-toe last night and he wore his Cliftonville jersey going out for his fight, and again after he got his win," McLaughlin said.
"We have stood toe-to-toe with Glentoran today. They were more fancied than us today.
"Owen did the same with his opponent last night, so he was our inspiration. I hope he was here today to watch us.
"It was a good weekend for everyone associated with the club."
McLaughlin also hailed his players' fighting spirit as they held firm to record a massive win at the Oval.
Curran's moment of magic separated the sides after 90 minutes of football, but the Reds' performance was also defined by a resolute defensive performance.
McLaughlin said: "The boys were excellent. It was a brilliant goal and we had numerous other chances to make the game more comfortable.
"We also hit the crossbar, but the performance was fantastic and the shape of the team was brilliant.
"We defended well throughout the 90 minutes. It was a really good all-round performance.
"Glentoran are a good side and one of the top sides in the division. So to come here and keep a clean sheet and get three points takes a lot of hard work.
"So fair play to our boys. They deserve all the credit in the world.
"Glentoran have got firepower that would rival any team in the country. So it takes a lot to nullify that but we managed to do it.
"But we also created a lot of chances and if we didn't come away with the win it would have been disappointing. Our keeper did well when called upon, and over the course of the 90 minutes I don't think anyone would say we didn't deserve the three points."
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