Irish Cup: Linfield coast into the final four with victory against Institute

Linfield secured their place in the semi-finals of the Irish Cup with a comfortable 3-1 win against Institute at the Brandywell.

Ethan McGee opened the scoring for the Blues in the first half with a strike from outside the box.

Quick-fire goals from Matthew Fitzpatrick and Kirk Millar early in the second half sealed the win for David Healy's men.

They will now face Glentoran in the semi-final at the end of March.

Championship side Institute started brightly in front of a large home crowd and captain Mikhail Kennedy forced Chris Johns into a fine save low to his right after 15 minutes.

At the other end, Institute goalkeeper Gareth Muldoon produced an even better stop to tip Kirk Millar's goal bound effort over his crossbar minutes later.

Linfield gradually upped the pressure as the half wore on and they were rewarded for their efforts with the opening goal in the 34th minute.

McGee, normally a right back but playing in a central midfield role, showed great awareness to firstly control the ball before picking his spot with a precise volley from the edge of the penalty area to beat Muldoon.

Two goals in as many minutes shortly after the restart sealed the win for the visitors.

Millar and Fitzpatrick both scored as Linfield sailed into the semi-finals of the Irish Cup

First, Millar provided the assist for Fitzpatrick to glance his header past a helpless Muldoon in the 57th minute before the striker's deft header beat the goalkeeper from a narrow angle 60 seconds later.

Institute kept battling and gave their supporters something to cheer with five minutes remaining when second half substitute Shane McGinty fired home from close range.

They almost scored a second soon after but Shane Boyle's header was well saved low to his right by Johns.

Linfield progress to the last four, but at what cost as skipper Jamie Mulgrew and Euan East both left the field injured with the League Cup final against Portadown to come next Sunday.