Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
JIMMY GETS BLUES OUT OF JAIL
Linfield see off PSNI to set up Big Two clash
LINFIELD got out of jail against the PSNI to tee up a clash with Big Two rivals Glentoran in the quarter-finals of the Toals Senior Shield.
The Blues needed a 71st minute goal from Jimmy Callacher to beat the Championship strugglers who levelled through Mark Anderson before the break.
Mark Stafford had earlier headed the Premiership leaders in front before the visitors set alarm bells ringing with a gutsy display at Windsor Park.
The Blues opened the scoring midway through the first half when Stafford headed home his second goal of the season from a corner.
Jamie Mulgrew almost forced a second soon after and Moller Nielsen also tested the keeper, before the PSNI bagged their equaliser through Anderson.
Linfield were back in front when Callacher met Niall Quinn’s corner to convert from close range.
Across the city, the Glens were on the ropes against Queen’s University after Chris Middleton had given the students a first-half lead.
But in-form striker Curtis Allen rode to the Ovalmen’s rescue with his fifth and sixth goals of the season, the second an audacious back heel.
Allen’s late intervention ensured Ronnie Mcfall’s men will face Linfield in the last eight of the competition on October 23.
Derby rivals Crusaders and Cliftonville will also meet in the quarters after the north Belfast clubs overcame Knockbreda 2-1 and Lisburn Distillery 5-0 respectively.
Rodney Brown headed home a 52nd minute winner for the Crues after Brendan Bennett had cancelled out Gary Thompson’s opener for the holders at Seaview.
Barry Gray’s Cliftonville blew away Distillery with a five goal salvo at Solitude.
Ryan Catney and Jay Donnelly had the Reds in charge at the break, before a brace from Joe Gormley and a late effort from Ryan Curran completed the rout.
Elsewhere, Championship leaders Larne beat Carrick Rangers 2-0 at Taylors Avenue with two goals from Tommy Stewart in the 42nd and 49th minutes.
The Invermen will face Ballyclare Comrades, who beat Newington 3-1 after extra time with goals from Jamie Willighan, Adam Mccart and Joe Tully.
Ards beat Dundela 1-0 with an Adam Brown volley to tee up a last eight meeting with Ballymena United or Harland and Wolff Welders, who meet at Dixon Park tonight.