Glenn Ferguson helped Linfield to an impressive victory

The striker put the Blues ahead with a penalty before Peter Thompson hit the roof of the net to make it 2-0.

Michael Gault fired past keeper Philip Matthews on 52 minutes with Ferguson adding a classy fourth.

William Murphy netted after a one-two with Mark Dickson before Wayne Buchanan headed in an 80th minute consolation.

Ferguson was fouled by Buchanan before stepping up to tuck away the 11th minute spot-kick.

Number two came on 33 minutes when Distillery midfielder Peter McCann sliced a pass into the path of Dickson, who set up Thompson to sweep the ball past Matthews.

Matthews pushed away a fierce shot from Stephen Douglas before Thompson turned provider for Gault's goal.

Ferguson's second after 57 minutes was the best goal of the night with the veteran forward controlling the ball and beating two defenders before smashing low and hard beyond Matthews.

Murphy completed the Linfield tally 15 minutes from time and Buchanan's header from a Gary Browne corner was little comfort to an outclassed Distillery team.