Newry's Niall Hudson and Joe McDonnell in action against Aidan O'Kane

The Belfast Blues, going for a cup hat-trick, took the lead on eight minutes when Glen Ferguson shot in.

But Newry front man James Willis ran through to score an equaliser in the 17th minute.

Newry felt Linfield defender Jim Ervin should have been sent-off when he was shown a yellow card for hauling back Willis in the first half.

"We are hugely disappointed. I felt young Ervin should have been sent-off because Willis was away," said Newry boss Gerry Flynn.

"We all mistakes and I think that when the referee sees the replay he will put his hands up and say that he made a mistake.

"Linfield would have been down to 10 men and we could have gone on to win the game."