Alan Blayney made four one-on-one saves to secure a Carling Premiership point for Linfield at Windsor Park.

Stephen Garrett was the first to miss out as Blayney blocked his effort before Reds keeper John Connolly kept out a header from Curtis Allen.

Allen and Michael Carvill went close as the Blues dominated after the break but the visitors made a late rally.

Ciaran Caldwell, Ronan Scannell and George McMullan were all denied as Blayney made three excellent saves.

Cliftonville were forced into a late chance with forward Martin Jones drafted into the team after Barry Johnston failed to turn up for the match.

The visitors made a bright start but the champions created the first good chance with Allen sending his volley wide after 13 minutes.

Blues striker Peter Thompson, still looking for his first goal this season, wasted two good chances with a header going over from eight yards before he fired into the side-netting.

Linfield failed to capitalise on their dominance early in the second half and only a combination of Cliftonville's poor finishing and Blayney's brilliance saw this game end scoreless.

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