Aidan O'Kane holds his head in his hands after his own goal

The Reds thoroughly deserved their success although they were helped by an insipid Blues performance.

Aidan O'Kane's bizarre 10th minute own goal when he headed past Alan Mannus started Linfield's horror show.

The unmarked Declan O'Hara headed Cliftonville's second on 52 minutes and Chris Scannell added the third on 82.

In addition to their three goals, Cliftonville missed other good chances.

George McMullan's deflected effort came off the woodwork in the first half and the same player had another great shot superbly saved by Alan Mannus before the break.

Linfield's only first half efforts of note were a Tim Mouncey effort and a Paul McAreavey header which was tipped over.

The game was up for Linfield in the 52nd minute when O'Hara rose unopposed to nod in Cliftonville's second goal.

Linfield tried to rally and Paul McAreavey went close with a header and substitute Timmy Adamson's volley was just wide.

Chris Scannell then was inches away from adding to Cliftonville's lead before the off-form Peter Thompson missed a great chance to pull a goal back for Linfield nine minutes from time when John Connolly saved the striker's weak shot.

From the clearance, the ball was cleared downfield to the unmarked Scannell who took the chance with some aplomb.