IRISH LEAGUE: Andy Mitchell brace gives Dungannon victory at Cliftonville

Dungannon Swifts ended their 30-game winless streak against Cliftonville thanks to two Andy Mitchell goals at a rain-lashed Solitude.

The burly frontman netted in either half and, though the Reds pulled one back when Caoimhin Bonner powered home a header, there was no late rally from the hosts, who were second best for most of the afternoon.

After a turgid opening quarter, the contest came to life when Mitchell converted Alan Teggart’s 24th minute delivery to break the deadlock.

Cliftonville forced a flurry of corners towards the end of the half but, thanks in no small part to a sensational goal-line clearance from David Armstrong to deny Bonner, the Swifts maintained their advantage through to the break.

It was 2-0 just after the hour when the home defence was sliced open by a goal kick from Andy Coleman and Mitchell accepted the invitation to double his side’s lead and put them within touching distance of a long overdue victory against the Reds.

Bonner’s 73rd minute reply caused a few jitters among the visiting support but, in the end, Dungannon comfortably held on to take the points.

CLIFTONVILLE: J Mooney, McGovern, Ives, Bonner, Curran, McDaid, M Donnelly, Catney, Winchester, J Donnelly, Cosgrove. Subs: Garrett (Curran, 61 mins), Hughes, Harkin (Winchester, 66 mins), D Murray (McDaid, 66 mins), Lavery.

DUNGANNON: Coleman, O’Rourke, Hegarty, Wilson, Armstrong, Glackin, Mitchell, Harpur, Teggart, Clucas, Burns. Subs: Addis, Fitzpatrick (Glackin, 83 mins), Douglas, Lavery, Hazley (Teggart, 71 mins).

REFEREE: Lee Tavinder (Dungannon)