Peter Thompson scored an early penalty for Linfield against Coleraine

Thompson opened with a second minute penalty and Oran Kearney added the second with a low shot on 50 minutes. Kyle McVey pulled one back after 52.

David Larmour made it 2-1 on 54, Thompson scored his second (56) and McAreavey headed in the fifth (64). Chris Kingsberry made it 6-1 on 65.

Ciaran Ferry scored for Coleraine on 70 but Thompson chipped home soon after.

Coleraine were on the back foot from the start as Thompson stroked home a penalty after a handball offence inside the area.

Davy O'Hare produced a fantastic save to deny McAreavey on 17 minutes, and then Larmour missed two excellent chances.

First he failed to beat O'Hare in a one-on-one situation and then found the sidenetting after being put through by Kearney.

Kearney grabbed his fifth goal in six games to increase the Blues' lead, drilling a left-foot shot into the bottom corner of the net.

McVey took advantage of poor Linfield defending to fire home for the Bannsiders but Larmour restored the two-goal advantage with a great finish.

Thompson and McAreavey extended the lead and Chris Kingsberry scored into an empty net.

Ciaran Ferry was left unmarked for Coleraine's second and Thompson chipped the goalkeeper on 74 to complete his hat-trick.