Ronan Scannell opened the scoring on ten minutes with an overhead kick into the bottom corner after Francis Murphy had knocked on a Ryan Catney free-kick.

Newry levelled ten minutes later, though, when Chris Morgan volleyed past John Connolly at the far post but within nine minutes the Reds were back in front courtesy of a George McMullan spot-kick awarded for an Emmett Friars foul on Chris Scannell.

Cliftonville went further ahead on 62 minutes when Kieran O'Connor beat Neil Gallagher at the second attempt after the 'keeper had blocked his initial effort.

City did set up an anxious finish for the Reds, however, after Stephen Garrett slotted home the second penalty of the game seven minutes from time following a Declan O'Hara handball.