CLIFTONVILLE broke their new goalposts in and earned a place in the Co-operative Insurance Cup quarter finals by coming from behind against Donegal Celtic.

The visitors took an early lead thanks to Stephen McAlorum, but it was not long before matters in this match were levelled.

Costly and easily avoidable defensive errors allowed the DC skipper to capitalise after eleven minutes but a Reds goal in each half soon killed off the Hoops' cup dreams. Kieran O'Connor cancelled out the opener by scoring sensationally from a free kick and then mid way through the second half, Ryan Catney created a storming goal.

His controlled shot with velocity and precision from the tip of the eighteen yard box extended Cliftonville's lead on 64 minutes.

"We expected DC to come out with fight in them and they caught us cold," admitted Patterson after the match. "Then after our first goal, they didn't show as much urgency and I think we got the grips with things after half time."

Leading by one-nil on aggregate, and given that away goals are operational in this tournament, Cliftonville certainly had advantages besides the home variety. Solitude was unable to cope with the weekend's torrential showers and therefore their league match against Institute was postponed, although earlier pitch inspections had confirmed its suitability for this evening.

DC's new arduous training regime, involving individual programmes and professional fitness models, looked like proving its efficacy as the visitors stormed into the game from the opening minutes. Within the first two, Liam Bradley advanced from the left side and his shot was acrobatically defended by Barry Holland dangerously near to the line. Bradley took another chance from left side but his defence-defying shot skirted wide of the far post.

Cliftonville perhaps lacked the youthful drive of Liam Boyce, who has been summoned to international duty with the Northern Ireland under 21 side, while Geordie McMullan who is returning after injury, fought his way back to the bench.

One to watch for the future, teenager Martin Jones, was named among Eddie Patterson's subs, the last time he made an appearance he scored immaculately against PSNI in the Co Antrim Shield. One of his first touches propelled the ball into the side netting, although he played with enthusiasm.

Ronan Scannell, O'Connor and Murphy each had further chances for the Reds but their efforts were dilute. Paul McVeigh had the opportunity to counter Cliftonville's away goal lead shortly after the half hour mark but his attempt from a free kick failed to even find the target.

Substitute Ciaran Caldwell and Chris Scannell partnered in stoppage time but their well-mapped out play was short on energy and petered away inside the area.

DC and Larne were the only surviving Championship clubs in the Co-operative Insurance Cup, prized with drawing top league sides in the third round. However, a clear defeat at Solitude and Larne's aggregate loss to Dungannon have listed this competition as a top flight-only affair.

"Today was difficult but reaching the quarter finals of one of the major competitions in the country is another matter because there will be tough opposition," Patterson added.

"At the end of the day, a performance is good but the result counts. Obviously gaining a home advantage in the draw will be a big help to us. We haven't been playing as well as of late but we're getting people back to fitness. (Liam) Boyce gives us something different upfront and George McMullan is a very effective player and our top goalscorer so when he regains full fitness we'll see the difference.

"Martin Jones is a young local lad who has come through the youth system. We were struggling to put players on the bench this evening although I think he earned his place as I'd watched him play for the reserves and saw a very lively player."