Brian Shelley of Bohemians holds off Linfield's Chris Casement

Linfield will have to overturn a 2-1 deficit in the second leg against Bohemians if they are to make the final of the Setanta Sports Cup.

The Carling Premiership leaders took the lead through a Mark McAllister header in the 16th minute.

Ken Oman equalised for Bohemians just before half-time and midway through the second period Linfield's Brian Kane was sent-off for a second yellow card.

Raffaele Cretaro's winner gave the Bohs the lead for the return on 19 April.

The League of Ireland title holders almost had a two-goal advantage as Jason Byrne struck an upright with a low shot in stoppage-time.

After Kane's dismissal, which came after a foul on Cillian Brennan, Bohemians piled on the pressure against an understrength Linfield line-up.

Blues boss David Jeffrey rested some regulars like Philip Lowry, Curtis Allen, Stephen Douglas and Jamie Tomelty.

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