Paul Munster grabbed a first-half hat-trick as Linfield crushed Carling Premiership leaders Crusaders.

Munster scored a glancing header from Michael Carvill's curling free in the 32nd minute and he quickly stretched to net a left-foot shot for his second.

Just before half-time Munster made room in the box to stroke in an accurate finish from 12 yards.

Philip Lowry poked in number four while stand-in keeper Stuart Addis made some good saves for a deserved clean sheet.

Addis was called into the Linfield line-up just before the game because first team regular Alan Blayney had sustained an injury.

Before the goals, Addis did well to keep out headers from Declan Caddell and Colin Coates.

"It was a must-win game for us," said hat-trick hero Munster.

"We stuck to our game plan and it worked out for us.

"We like playing at Seaview. It is a compact ground and you always get chances."

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