Irish Premiership: Linfield win to stay five clear as Gormley nets hat-trick for Reds

Cliftonville produced a clinical display at Stangmore Park despite finding themselves behind in the 21st minute when Gael Bigiramana’s deflected long-range effort beat David Odumosu after James Knowles’ initial shot was blocked by Conor Pepper.

The Reds’ response was immediate, with Taylor Stevens providing an inviting cross from the right flank for Joe Gormley to head past Declan Dunne from close range less than sixty seconds later.

The momentum stayed with Jim Magilton’s charges, and Stevens turned from provider to scorer in the 34th minute, finding the far corner following Rory Hale’s short corner despite Dunne getting a hand to the effort.

The north Belfast side extended their advantage shortly before the interval when Dunne fouled Hale in the box following Aaron Pettifer’s through ball.

Gormley stepped up and gave his side a two-goal cushion, sending the Swifts goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The hosts’ best chance to reduce the deficit came when Knowles broke clear in the 50th minute, but Jonny Addis’s perfectly timed sliding challenge denied a certain goal.

Talisman Gormley completed his hat-trick in the 73rd minute, expertly converting Hale’s precise cross from close range as the Reds dominated.