Linfield's Thomas Stewart celebrates with Michael Gault

Thomas Stewart scored twice in the first half and then set up Jamie Mulgrew for the third on 52 minutes.

Within a minute defender Stephen Douglas fired in number four but Stewart missed a hat-trick chance when he had a penalty saved.

Glenn Glenn Ferguson made it 5-0 direct from a free-kick and Paul McAreavey and Tim Mouncey completed the rout.

The spot-kick was awarded when Loughgall defender Glenn Waddell brought down by Mark Dickson.

There was some superb finishing and we were again tight at the back David Jeffrey

Ferguson's strike took him to 474 career goals, bringing him level with the legenday Duke of Windsor, Tommy Dickson

Loughgall's best opportunity was early in the second half but Paul Brown's shot went wide after Ashley Gregg had played the ball in.

Linfield's day was made even better as leaders Glentoran were held at home by Glenavon.

The Glens now lead Crusaders by just one point with third-placed Linfield a further two behind.

"People might have expected to Glentoran to take three points but we have to concentrate on our own performances," said Linfield manager David Jeffrey.

"This could have been a real banana skin for us and I warned the players their attitude would have to be spot-on.

"But I am very pleased with them. There was some superb finishing and we were again tight at the back."