IRISH PREMIER LEAGUE Cliftonville 0-0 Ballymena United Dungannon Swifts 1-1 Limavady Glentoran 3-0 Omagh Town Larne 0-2 Linfield Lisburn Distillery 3-2 Institute Loughgall 3-1 Ards Newry City 2-0 Crusaders

Defenders Stephen Douglas and Paul McAreavey got the goals for Linfield who have not lost away in the league since September 2003.

Douglas fired in a long-range shot for a 28th-minute opener and McAreavey volleyed in on 58 minutes.

Before the goals, Larne lost keeper Alex Spackman through a hand injury.

The cup semi-final hero went off with a dislocated finger and was replaced by outfield substitute Marty Rodgers.

I am blessed with a great bunch of players Linfield's David Jeffrey

To make matters worse for Larne, Rodgers then sustained a rib injury but struggled on to the end of the game.

"It was unfortunate for Larne that Alex was injured but even if he had been in goal he would not have saved them. They were two wonder strikes," said Linfield manager David Jeffrey.

"I knew the pitch would be a leveller and it was difficult to play on.

"We asked the players to be professional and do the job. I am blessed with a great bunch of players who want to represent this club to the highest standard.

"Even now they are a bit disappointed because they felt they could have done more."

Linfield have taken 37 points out of a possible 39 and are unbeaten in 41 away matches in the domestic football.