Irish Cup QF: Linfield 0-1 Cliftonville

Joe Gormley's second half strike proved to be the difference in a cagey Irish Cup quarter final between Linfield and Cliftonville at Windsor Park.

The home side had a host of chances in the opening 20 minutes but failed to find a way to make the most of their early dominance.

Several times Bam Neeson was tested in the Cliftonville goal, forced into saves from Kurtis Byrne and Kirk Millar, with Mark Stafford hitting the bar.

The chances largely dried up until Cliftonville centre back Garry Breen sent a header inches wide after a Shane Grimes corner in the 62nd minute.

The game looked certain to go to extra time, the quality of chances summed up by a manic goalmouth scramble in the Cliftonville box in the 79th minute that saw the ball bounce around before creeping inches wide of the post.

But just a minute later, Cliftonville substitute Ruari Harkin played the ball in behind the home defence for Joe Gormely.

The striker was given far too much time and space to calmly pick his spot and finish beyond Alex Moore.

Despite a late, desperate flourish, Linfield were unable to find a way back into the game.