Glenn Ferguson put Linfield into an early lead at Newry City

Glenn Ferguson, a frontrunner for the football writers' player of the year award, put Linfield ahead by shooting in after just three minutes.

But Newry hit back on 11 minutes when former Distillery striker James Willis went through to beat Alan Mannus.

Newry had several chances in the second half with Mannus having to pull off a fine save from Lee Feeney.