The home defences were breached as early as the 16th minute when Peter Thompson collected a Timmy Adamson pass to slot the ball past the advancing Michael Doherty.

And six minutes later it was 2-0 thanks to Paul McAreavey - now on half-a-dozen goals already this season - who broke clear to drive home aided by defender Eamon Doherty.

Not to be outdone Thompson grabbed another for the Blues on 33 minutes with a lob which made its way over the line despite Doherty getting a hand to it.

The scoring was completed just four minutes into the second half when Thomas Stewart marked his Linfield baptism with a well taken drive from just inside the area.