A VIRTUALLY unbelievable sequence of first half events left an astonished and defeated Cliftonville with more to concern themselves with than just the scoreline.

Linfield brushed aside the Reds with two noteworthy goals - a 46 second opener and another which was rooted in controversy. However, the match's talking points were two dismissals for the Reds; both their manager Eddie Patterson and defender Ronan Scannell were given their marching orders.

Ronan's brother Chris reduced the deficit shortly into the second half by tapping in from close range following George McMullan's free kick, but it was of little consolation. Although goalkeeper Alan Mannus ought to have smothered the danger from his position and despite that it brings the striker's tally to 100 goals, Scannell's celebration was rather muted.

The crowd had barely settled and some were still locating their seats when the champions took the lead in less than a minute. Glenn Ferguson marked his return to fitness with a headed assist for Michael Carvill, who netted his second in as many games, after clawing a point back for the Blues against Newry City on Saturday. It was not only a startling opener for the home crowd but it was a sharp awakening for Cliftonville's defence.

Francis Murphy put a free kick in from the near side on 15 minutes, punched away by Mannus who rose above all. Ferguson and Carvill each found themselves with opportunities to score but their second came from an unlikely candidate. Central midfielder Michael Gault nailed the second but as with many other components in this match, it did not go undisputed.

After eighteen minutes Damien Curran took a soft free kick before Gault headed from inside the six yard box, but the referee's whistle had not sounded until a fraction after Curran delivered, leaving the goal strictly unable to stand and Cliftonville momentarily distracted. However, with their attentions diverted they conceded and since it was not disallowed, Eddie Patterson erupted furiously, while referee Alan Black instructed the manager back into his technical area.

Conor Hagan disrupted play when he pulled back Chris Scannell on the edge of the area and even though Black awarded a free kick to the Reds, Hagan escaped with just a booking when the rules dictate that he ought to have been red carded. Francis Murphy took the resulting set piece and although it was Cliftonville's clearest chance, Mannus stretched to shoehorn it over and behind the net.

However just before the half hour mark things shrivelled further for the speechless visiting support when Patterson was dismissed for his touchline outburst against the game's arbiter.

Cliftonville re-emerged from the break with some grit but their frustration thickened even after Scannell brought themselves back into the game. Kevin McHugh, Linfield's reported £20,000 signing, made his substitute's debut although it would be difficult for any player to make a dramatic impact amidst such an eventful game.

Although they were arguably on the more favourable side of the game's decisions, Linfield showed resolve throughout most of the game. Many of their regular first team players are sidelined, namely Mark Miskimmin, Steven Douglas and Jamie Mulgrew who have joined the injured list Noel Bailie and Paul McAreavey, who are out long-term. Cliftonville however, who fielded an unchanged side from Saturday's 3-1 away win to Ballymena, lacked composure and were fraught with aggravation.

"I was pleased with the game and very pleased with Michael Gault, Kris Lindsay and Glenn Ferguson who are only just back into the side," Linfield manager David Jeffrey said. "Alan Mannus was also very good, coming out to defend through balls and I thought JP Gallagher had an excellent starting debut and looked assured, while Kevin McHugh's cameo performance was encouraging. I am particularly delighted that we have three points tonight, particularly coming back from the disappointing result against Newry.

"Cliftonville were second from bottom in November and Saturday's result saw them go into the top six, so to say they have been resurgent is an understatement. I was very impressed with their performance."

The Blues boss also gave strong indications that he is drawing closer to strengthening his squad. "We agreed terms with Mark McAllister and Dungannon Swifts this evening," he said. "However, I never believe anyone is a Linfield player until I see they have signed. Matthew Doherty will be going to Dungannon on loan for the rest of the season and the deals are connected. I cannot go into any further details at this stage."