Paddy McLaughlin saluted hat-trick hero Joe Gormley as Cliftonville racked up a 4-0 victory against Portadown at Solitude.
The Reds made it a magnificent seven as they had won their previous six home league games – and the win saw McLaughlin’s team maintain their place at the top of the Premiership table.
Gormley was unplayable, bagging a sensational treble before half-time with his striker partner Ryan Curran also getting in on the act.
“Joe’s the best in the business,” said McLaughlin.
“He proved once again he’s the hottest striker in the league. It was a great team performance, the boys have been great, one defeat in 11 matches is pretty good going, but we’ll certainly not become carried away.
“The games are coming thick and fast and there is nothing easy.
"But the team’s hunger, desire and application have been spot-on . . . they have been superb from day one and they are getting their deserved rewards.”
Gormley headed the Reds in front on five minutes, finishing off a delicious delivery from Jamie McDonagh.
The big striker then cut in from the right before cleverly lobbing goalkeeper Jethren Barr. And Gormley claimed the match ball before the break with another slick finish.
It was so easy for the Reds, Curran added a fourth after the break when that man Gormley was hauled down by Greg Hall.
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