Peter Thompson was the star performer for Linfield at Coleraine

Following a scoreless first half in which Mark Picking missed a sitter, Linfield struck with three goals in the space of 14 minutes on the restart.

Goals from Peter Thompson and Glenn Ferguson settled the Blues who took advantage of some defensive lapses.

Paul McAreavey strolled in for the third and a Picking goal wrapped up the win.

Picking, however, could have settled the Blues early on when he burst clear in the opening minute only to fire wide from six yards out.

Linfield controlled the opening period, but Coleraine managed to scramble clear any threats on their goal.

But it was a different Linfield at the start of the second half. First it was Thompson who finished in style in the 49th minute after a great solo run.

A minute later, Coleraine's defence were hesitant in clearing the ball and Ferguson was quick to react with a spectacular overhead kick into the net.

A third goal was not long in following in the 59th minute when McAreavey finished a great move when he ran onto a Ferguson pass and dribbled around goalkeeper Davy O'Hare to score.

Coleraine's defence was again at fault when a botched clearance fell to Picking who had the easiest task of tapping the ball into the net.

The victory see the Blues still two points behind Portadown, but they have a game in hand.

Daily Mirror Irish Premier League results
Cliftonville 0-2 Portadown