Scorer Stephen Garrett is greeted by Sean Friars

Cliftonville's bad start to the JJB Sport Premiership continued on Saturday as Newry City claimed a deserved victory at the Showgrounds.

Davy Wells denied Stephen Garrett in the 10th minute but the former Linfield striker put Newry ahead on 18 minutes.

Sean Friars went close to adding to Newry's lead before the interval.

Friars went close for Newry again after half-time while Reds keeper Wells was forced off by injury with Declan O'Hara taking over between the posts.

Wells had made a good save in the first half to tip an excellent Sean Friars free-kick over the bar.

Conor Downey made little impression on his return to the Cliftonville jersey after his transfer from Linfield.

The Reds' best attacks were a George McMullan shot in the first half while Mark Holland headed a decent opportunity over in the second half.

Newry's victory moves them to five points in the table from their opening four games - two points ahead of the Reds.