Cliftonville 1-1 Linfield

Michael O'Connor came off the bench to score his first goal for Linfield as they recovered to draw 1-all with Cliftonville at Seaview.

The Blues had captain Jamie Mulgrew sent off midway through the first half, and Joe Gormley's second half goal looked to have won it before O'Connor struck late.

The early period of the game was marked by a brawl in the 7th minute sparked by Ryan Catney's flying challenge on Linfield's Daniel Kearns.

A minute or two of pushing and shoving saw yellow cards for home midfielders Catney, Christopher Curran, and Blues striker Andy Waterworth.

It set the tone for an ill-tempered match that saw Cliftonville collect 5 yellow cards, and Linfield receive 3.

However, the visitors had captain Jamie Mulgrew shown a straight red card for a dangerous challenge on Jay Donnelly on the edge of the Cliftonville box with just 26 minutes played.

David Healy's side still managed to create as Josh Robinson connected with a free header after Andrew Mitchell's cross, his effort flying straight into the hands of Richard Brush on 31.

After the break, Jay Donnelly missed a great chance for Cliftonville as he headed over from a Stephen Garrett corner in the 49th minute; Garry Breen then went close with a left-footed shot which was blocked by Jimmy Callacher with 54 on the clock.

The home side finally edged out the visitors in the 72nd minute as Jay Donnelly did well to block a Callacher clearance before lifting the ball towards the back post where it was headed home from close range by Joe Gormley.

The Reds looked as if they would hold on for the points, but Andrew Mitchell's precise 86th minute cross was poked into the net by Linfield substitute Michael O'Connor.