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Cliftonville went six points clear at the top of the Premiership thanks to a convincing win over 10-man Linfield.

Ciaran Caldwell tapped home a right-foot shot when Martin Donnelly squared the ball across goal after 15 minutes.

Liam Boyce's mis-hit left-foot shot was deflected into the net on 21 minutes for his eighth goal in eight matches.

William Murphy turned George McMullan's cross into his own net in the 52nd minute and Mark McAllister was sent-off for a stamp on Stephen Garrett on 62.

The Reds began the game without Barry Holland, who was absent because of work commitments, while Linfield's Jamie Mulgrew was ruled out with a back injury.

Prior to the game, a minute's silence in respect of Remembrance weekend was not fully observed by all the home supporters.

Cliftonville began brightly and a Boyce shot was saved by Alan Blayney early on while Garrett was unable to make contact with a Donnelly free-kick.

A fine team move saw Caldwell give his side the lead and Boyce's effort trundled over the line and into the bottom corner soon after.

The striker celebrated controversially by acting out the part of a urinating dog on the touchline.

The champions came more into the game and William Murphy hit the bar with a header, then Philip Lowry's effort from the rebound hit the woodwork.

Murphy's own goal and the dismissal of McAllister ended the game as a contest.

The result sees Linfield drop to seventh position.

"I couldn't have asked for any more, our players were outstanding," said Reds' boss Tommy Breslin after the game.

"We met Linfield head on and ran out worthy winners."