The Blues fell behind as early as the 7th minute when Mark Quigley fired home the rebound after his initial shot came back off an upright. He was released by Ryan Guy to leave the Linfield defence trailing in his wake.

St. Pat's might have doubled their advantage on 12 minutes only for Alan Mannus to save well from Damien Lynch.

Linfield almost levelled midway through the first half when Thomas Stewart severely tested Pats 'keeper Barry Ryan with a stinging close range effort while, moments later, Winkie Murphy directed a free header straight at him.

Alan Kirby looked certain to make it 2-0 on 51 minutes but despite being played through by Quigley he was forced to fire wide by Mannus.

St. Pat's did add their second, though, on 76 minutes courtesy of a blistering 25-yard Gary O'Neill strike after he had collected the ball from Gary Dempsey.