Dundalk are one step closer to reaching the final of the Setanta Sports Cup following the first leg of their semi-final clash with Cliftonville.
Dundalk, looking for their first Cup final spot since 2002, came from behind to beat the League of Ireland side 3-1 at Solitude on Tuesday night.
There was a lively start to the match with both sides going close to netting the opening goal through Chris Scannell and Jason Byrne respectively before the home side took the lead.
George McMullan was on hand to pounce on a loose ball and the crowded penalty area did not faze him as he struck to beat Peter Cherrie in the Dundalk goal.
Cliftonville managed to defend their lead throughout the first half but soon after the restart things were level when Mark Quigley, who has been in superb form in the competition this year, went on a fine run to fire the equaliser.
Quigley got the ball 30 yards out and a brilliant solo effort saw him beat Jack Duffin to drill home.
Cliftonville tried to regain their advantage but it was Dundalk who forged ahead with David Kearns netting in the 72nd minute. Kearns got on the end of a horrible mistake from Duffin to scramble home his effort and hand the advantage to the visitors.
They increased their lead just ten minutes later when Quigley fired home his fifth of the competition after some fine combination play with Byrne.