Cliftonville 0-2 Glentoran

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Glentoran progress to the semi-finals of the Co-operative Insurance Cup as they edge out Cliftonville 2-0 at Solitude

Second-half goals from Matty Burrows and Johnny Taylor gave the holders victory in the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter-final at Solitude.

The Glens created the better chances in the first half and Burrows hit the crossbar just before the break.

The in-form striker scored the opener on 63 minutes with his deflected strike deceiving keeper John Connolly.

Cliftonville were denied by the woodwork before Taylor smashed into the roof of the net in the last minute.

The new 3G surface at the north Belfast venue meant this was the only quarter-final to survive the freezing weather.

The visitors went close in the opening minutes with Colin Nixon heading just over from David Howland's corner.

A flurry of chances in the final 15 minutes of the half started with Glens keeper James Taylor saving with his feet to deny Stephen Garrett.

Connolly also used his feet to keep out Jimmy Callacher's effort before Burrows struck the top of the bar.

Burrows was presented with another opportunity but after rounding Connolly he fired wide from a tight angle.

A quiet opening to the second half was abruptly ended when Andy Waterworth played in Borrows and his shot deflected off Barry Holland before finding the net.

The Reds had a penalty appeal turned down after Nixon's challenge on forward Chris Scannell.

Glentoran almost gifted the hosts an equaliser with James Taylor punching a cross onto his own crossbar.

Burrows missed out on a second goal when he dinked a Waterworth cross past Connolly but Dermot McVeigh got back to clear off the line.

Connolly made another impressive from a Waterworth shot before Scott Young's side sealed the win in the 90th minute.

The ball broke loose to Taylor from a corner and he rammed it home from close range.

The result completes a perfect week for the east Belfast side after the Co Antrim Shield success on Tuesday night.