In the NIFL Premiership match held on December 26, 2023, Cliftonville sealed a victory over Crusaders FC in a tightly fought encounter, coming out on top with a 2-1 scoreline.

Cliftonville's impressive performance secured the win. However, it wasn't a game of dominance for them, judging from the numbers. Crusaders FC took more corner kicks, totalling five compared to Cliftonville's three. Moreover, Crusaders also found themselves offsides twice, showcasing their aggressive push, unlike Cliftonville with only one. However, it's worth noting that these potentially threatening situations didn't equate to more goals for Crusaders, as Cliftonville was more effective by capitalizing on their opportunities.

Throughout the game, the timing of the goals was crucial. Cliftonville struck early in the first half at just under 14 minutes. Crusaders responded not long into the second half at 47 minutes to level the score. However, Cliftonville showed their resilience by striking back late in the game, securing the winning goal at 74 minutes. This pattern shows how vital a team's response to conceding a goal can be, reinforcing Cliftonville’s determination not to drop points at this crucial stage.

In terms of discipline, Crusaders FC amassed two yellow cards in the second half, which might show signs of frustration or desperation to level the score or take the lead. Cliftonville, however, managed to keep their composure obtaining one yellow card towards the end of the match, possibly indicating more tactical discipline that played a role in their victory.

In conclusion, the data suggests Cliftonville won through effective use of their opportunities, resilience in the face of an equalizer, and lower levels of disciplinary issues. On the other hand, Crusaders FC, despite their aggressive offensive attempts, was not able to convert their stats into more goals. This match gives a clear demonstration of the multi-faceted dimensions of football where not just strikes at goal, but timing, discipline, and taking advantage of opportunities, greatly influence the outcome. For bettors, these fine-grain details could provide invaluable insights for future predictions and betting choices.

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