Linfield's Ethan McGee scored the decisive goal as the Blues defeated Cliftonville 1-0 at Windsor Park on Friday night. McGee headed in a corner delivered by Adam Frizzell in the 55th minute to secure the win.

First Half: A Stalemate

The match opened with a burst of action. Winger Liam McStravick pushed forward, but his pass over‑played Ben Quinn, allowing Chris Johns to collect the ball. Kirk Millar created Linfield’s first chance, scissor‑kicking a bouncing ball toward the bottom corner, only for Peter Morrison to save at full stretch. A moment of madness from the Cliftonville keeper was thwarted by Linfield striker Kieran Offord, who forced a defensive error that led to a Millar pass that was ruled offside. Both sides displayed carelessness, leaving the first half scoreless.

Second Half: McGee's Header

Linfield came out with renewed intent. Dane McCullough’s long shot from the left wing‑back sailed over the bar, and Millar’s first‑time effort missed wide. Adam Frizzell’s left‑footed shot from distance was tipped by Morrison, but the rebound was taken by Frizzell, who delivered a corner that saw Ethan McGee plant a textbook header into the net in the 55th minute. The goal sparked a surge of pressure from the Blues.

A free‑kick from Frizzell unsettled Alex Bannon, who nearly headed the ball into his own net. Cliftonville’s defense was tested again when Quinn’s block deflected Kyle McLean’s drive wide. A Millar cross found Matthew Fitzpatrick, but his header arced over the bar. Cliftonville pushed for an equaliser, with manager Jim Magilton bringing on Joe Gormley in the 75th minute. Rory Hale’s header from Joel Thompson’s cross in the 85th minute missed the target.

Cliftonville's Fightback

Cliftonville remained in the contest until the final minutes. Substitutions included Samuels for Thompson at 56 minutes and Wilson for Conlan at the same time. The Reds were denied a late chance when Kobei Moore’s counter‑attack header was denied by Morrison’s outstretched boot in the 89th minute. Linfield settled for a narrow 1‑0 victory.

Linfield line‑up: Johns, McCullough, Shields (c), Millar (Wells 77), McClean, Offord (Moore 64), Hall, Frizzell, McGee, Fitzpatrick, Leahy.

Cliftonville line‑up: Morrison, Wightman, Samuels (Thompson 56), Wilson (Conlan 56), Campbell, Hale (c), Healy (Gormley 77), McClelland, McMaster, Quinn (Sheridan 68), Bannon, McStravick.