Even Stephens

Cliftonville Olympic extended their lead at the top of the Premiership Development League with a 2-0 victory over Linfield Swifts last night.

Stephen Garrett and Stephen McGuinness registered the goals as Brendan Lynch’s side pulled six points clear of Crusaders Reserves – over whom they hold two games in hand – at the summit.

After a cagey opening at New Midgley, Garrett broke the deadlock with 14 minutes on the clock when he beat two players inside the box and produced a confident finish.

The Reds looked to build on that advantage after the interval and duly doubled their lead on the hour when Man of the Match McGuinness (pictured) netted from a corner which, despite creating a number of further opportunities, was enough for the Olympic to make sure of victory.