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Cliftonville 1-2 Linfield

Michael Gault of Linfield challenges Barry Johnston
Linfield's Michael Gault challenges Barry Johnston of Cliftonville

Holders Linfield are into their fifth Irish Cup in eight years after beating Belfast rivals Cliftonville.

Jamie Mulgrew fired the Blues into a 28th-minute lead with a low left-foot shot from 20 yards.

Five minutes later Peter Thompson rose above Ronan Scannell to head in number two from Damien Curran's corner.

A deflected shot 11 minutes into the second half by Kieran O'Connor revived the Reds' hopes but Linfield progressed to the 3 May final.

Before Mulgrew's opener, Cliftonville had a good chance to score but Chris Scannell completely missed his shot in front of goal.

In the second half, with Cliftonville two down, Chris Scannell was clear through but his attempted lob failed to beat Blues keeper Alan Mannus.

At the other end, Mulgrew forced a fine save from John Connolly, while substitute Oran Kearney had a shot blocked.

The win means Linfield are still on course for a third successive league and cup double.




see also
Irish Cup action
29 Mar 08 |  Photo Galleries


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