Linfield striker Peter Thompson was on target at Windsor Park

The Blues failed to make their pressure count until the 39th minute when Tim Mouncey tapped in after keeper Ian Lester spilled Oran Kearney's shot.

Paul McAreavey went close for the Blues before Glenn Ferguson put Peter Thompson through on 74 minutes and the striker fired into the bottom corner.

Lester tipped over Chris Kingsberry's shot as Linfield chased a third.

Ards threatened twice in the first half with Alan Mannus saving Jason Hill's effort before keeping out a Chris Towell header.

Linfield were the dominant force from the start but wasted countless opportunities, especially from corners.

Thompson shot wide just before the break after good work from Kearney.

The forward's second-half strike was his 12th goal in five games and Linfield's 50th of the season.