A Peter Withnell hat-trick and two goals from Shay Campbell helped First Division leaders Ballymena United crush bottom-placed Carrick Rangers 6-1 in Saturday's league clash.

John McDowell headed Ballymena into the lead early on and Campbell added the second two minutes before the interval.

Former Down GAA star Withnell notched Ballymena's third in the 65th minute before Campbell brought his tally for the season up to 23 in the 72nd minute.

John Burns pulled a goal back for Carrick in the 82nd minute but Withnell struck twice late on to complete his hat-trick.

The victory maintains Ballymena's five point advantage at the top of the table.

Ballyclare win

Dungannon stayed in second place thanks to a 2-0 win at Limavady.

The home side suffered a dreadful start with goalkeeper Dermot Brown sent off in the fourth minute after handling outside his penalty area.

Former Glenavon player Johnny Montgomery scored Dungannon's opener in the 19th minute and Kevin Bates made the game safe with a 78th minute strike.

In the other First Division game played on Saturday, Stuart McLean's 18th minute goal gave Ballyclare a surpris 1-0 win at Larne.