Linfield's Conor Downey (right) was stretchered off before the break

Thomas Stewart superbly struck Linfield ahead on 21 minutes and while Paul Leeman then missed a Glens chance, Jason Hill did level on 31 minutes.

Gary Hamilton had a penalty shout after the break and then had a shot saved by Alan Mannus while Michael Ward also squandered a glorious Glens chance.

Kyle Neill and Michael Gault were both sent off for two yellow cards late on.

However, it was far from a dirty game with Eircom League referee Ian Stokes annoying both managers with his strict approach.

Linfield, mindful of their busy week ahead, started with an understrength team with the likes of Glenn Ferguson, Noel Bailie and Paul McAreavey all on the bench.

Hamilton had an early chance for the Glens but Linfield's Mark Dickson produced a superb challenge to avert the danger.

Stewart produced a glorious finish into the top right-hand corner to put the Blues ahead on 21st minutes after he had latched on to a Conor Downey pass and easily shrugged off Sean Ward.

However, that was Downey's last involvement as he had to be stretchered off with a serious-looking injury a couple of minutes later.

Paul Leeman blasted over the bar from close range in the 26th minute after Mannus had flapped at a corner but the Glens did get on terms five minutes later when Hill pounced at the far post after Willo McDonagh's superb low cross from the right.

Paul Millar remonstrates with the match officials after the game

Linfield suffered their second injury of the night before the break when Kris Lindsay was forced to depart.

The Glens had a scare before the break when Mark Dickson's misdirected cross clipped the crossbar.

Peter Thompson, quiet in the first half, finally produced something of note after the break when he forced a good save out of Morris.

Hamilton was convinced that he should have had a penalty in the 54th minute when he charged through on goal and appeared to be clipped by a combination of Stephen Douglas and Michael Gault.

At the other end, Stewart went close to notching his second goal of the night but his pointblank effort was bravely blocked by Paul Leeman.

The Glens finished the match the stronger with Hamilton, McDonagh and Ward all missing great chances.

Mannus did superbly to block Hamilton's effort and McDonagh sliced the rebound well wide.

However, Ward was presented with the gilt-edged chance to claim the three points for the Glens when he found himself with only Mannus to beat after a horribly sliced clearance by Douglas.

But the former Dungannon striker somehow managed to prod the effort a yard wide when it looked easier to score.

Referee Stokes' penchant for showing cards looked certain to result in dismissals before the end and so it proved with both Neill and Gault sent off in the closing minutes after getting their second yellows.