Linfield 2-1 Cliftonville

Michael Gault (left) heads in Linfield's second goal at Windsor Park

The Blues stay a point behind Premiership leaders Glentoran after beating the Reds at Windsor Park.

Michael Carvill fired home after 46 seconds to give Linfield the lead and the returning Michael Gault made it 2-0 with an 18th minute header.

Reds boss Eddie Patterson was ordered from the dugout by referee Alan Black 10 minutes later after protesting.

Chris Scannell pulled one back on 57 minutes before his brother Ronan was sent-off for two yellow cards late on.

Glenn Ferguson, back after a knee injury, set up Carvill for the opener with the striker shooting past keeper John Connolly.

Gault, getting his first start following an injury lay-off, was unchallenged as he headed in from Damien Curran's free-kick.

Francis Murphy went closest for Cliftonville in the first half when his 24th minute free-kick was tipped over by Alan Mannus.

Chris Scannell gave the visitors hope by getting the vital touch on a George McMullan free-kick, with the ball squirming over the line.

Kevin McHugh, Linfield's new signing from Derry City, made his debut as a second-half substitute.