Adam McMinn was the hero of the hour for the Swifts. It was his decisive spot-kick, with scores tied at 4-4, which saw Harry Fay's side secure their place in the May showdown against either Lisburn Distillery or holders Linfield.

Earlier in the sequence Mark Holland had sent his kick wide of the target thus handing the advantage to the Co. Tyrone side after Barry Johnston, George McMullan, Johnny Montgomery and David Scullion had all successfully converted.

But there was still work to be done. Brazilian striker Everaldo capitalised on Holland's misfortune to edge Dungannon in front and with each subsequent penalty finding the target the pressure was on young McMinn - and he kept his cool magnificently to prevent the game slipping into sudden death.

It was a dramatic end to a game which scarcely deserved it on the basis of the 120 minutes that went before.

Cliftonville began the game very much in charge forcing a number of corners and free-kicks but they failed to make any of them count while for the Swifts their first effort of note didn't arrive until just before the half-hour when McMinn headed a Rodney McAree free-kick just over from close range.

Other than that the first half was only brightened by a George McMullan cross which just failed to find the well placed Vincent Sweeney.

After the break the Swifts did show some promise with a 57th minute Mark McAllister drive which was superbly controlled by Reds keeper John Connolly.

And on 74 minutes they came closer still when McAllister was again denied, this time from a low shot from a Rory Hamill cross which Connolly palmed to safety.

At the other end Mark Holland nodded a George McMullan free-kick narrowly over followed by an 87th minute Gary Kennedy effort which barely cleared the crossbar.