Francis Murphy scored a hat-trick as Cliftonville enjoyed a crucial 4-0 win over fellow Premiership strugglers Glenavon at Solitude.

The home side had first-half chances before Murphy volleyed home the opener with a left-foot shot after 44 minutes.

Murphy headed in his second of the game on 54 minutes after an Aaron Smyth cross was flicked on by Chris Scannell.

Scannell curled in the Reds' third goal on 83 and Murphy repeated the feat to complete his treble after 83 minutes.

Teenage goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan saved twice from Mark Holland early in the game while Ciaran Donaghy was wide with another effort.

Tony Grant had a chance for Glenavon and Scannell cleared Gary Liggett's attempt off the line.

Cliftonville then moved up a gear to take a comfortable victory.

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