Cliftonville vs Linfield 04/05/24

Fitzpatrick headed wide before the Blues doubled their lead on 65 minutes from the penalty spot. Millar’s lofted ball found McKee inside the area, but he was nudged in the back by Steven McCullough as he was about to pull the trigger. Chris Shields stepped up to slam home the penalty. In the final 20 minutes Linfield had further opportunities to extend their lead, with Kyle McClean, McKee and Darragh McBrien all going close.

In the closing stages Linfield keeper Johns did well to keep out a powerful header from ’Stute defender Shane Boyle. SEMI-FINALS Glentoran 1-3 Linfield It was a good evening for Linfield in east Belfast on Good Friday. David Healy’s side bossed their last four match against Glentoran and deservedly ran out 3-1 winners at The Oval in the battle between the competition’s most successful clubs. Blues striker Matthew Fitzpatrick headed over the top before Glentoran’s James Singleton directed a close range diving header inches wide. On 33 minutes Linfield’s Joel Cooper opened the scoring. Kyle McClean launched a cross from close to the touchline which dropped over the head of Fitzpatrick. Singleton headed the ball clear inside the area, however it went straight to Cooper and he blasted it home from 14 yards. Seven minutes after the break McClean scored with a superb strike to make it 2-0 to Linfield in front of 5600 fans at Glentoran’s home ground. A Kirk Millar free-kick was met by Daniel Finlayson at the back post. He headed the ball across goal where Glens keeper Aaron McCarey palmed it away. However, the ball struck Bobby Burns and bounced out to McClean who smashed it into the net through a sea of players from 10 yards. The Glens tried to get back into it. A Singleton header dipped over the bar and Shay McCartan hit the woodwork. In the 82nd minute Glentoran eventually pulled one back through substitute Junior. The Glens’ hopes of a stirring comeback were shortlived, however, when McClean netted his second of the night just two and a half minutes later. A Cooper corner was headed out by Glens defender Paddy McClean, but the ball fell to his namesake on the edge of the penalty area and the midfielder smashed it into the net to make it 3-1.

QUARTER-FINALS Institute 1-3 Linfield

The Blues enjoyed the bulk of the possession at the Brandywell in Derry-Londonderry, however Institute looked dangerous when they launched counter attacks. Mikhail Kennedy’s long range effort was pushed around the post by Blues keeper Chris Johns on 15 minutes. A clearance from the resulting corner fell to Sean Carlin on the edge of the area and his shot went inches wide. David Healy’s men then went close when Euan East brought down Ethan McGee’s cross before teeing up Kirk Millar. His fine effort with the outside of his right foot was well saved by Gareth Muldoon who pushed it over the bar. From the resulting corner there was a huge goalmouth scramble with Institute defenders blocking several shots from Linfield players. On 34 minutes Linfield took the lead when McGee scored his first goal for the club. Josh Archer teed up McGee just outside the Institute area and he took a touch before unleashing a dipping half-volley into the bottom corner of the net. The Blues doubled their lead on 56 minutes when Matthew Fitzpatrick met Millar’s cross and his clever glancing header found the far corner. A minute later Millar played a one-two with Fitzpatrick before chipping the ball into the top corner to put the Blues three up. Kevin Deery’s men showed resilience to pull a goal back on 86 minutes, Shane McGinty netting from close range.

29

www.irishfa.com