Linfield 5-1 Ards

Andy Waterworth scored his 100th goal for Linfield as they eased to a 5-1 win over Ards at Windsor Park.

With just 4 minutes played, Paul Smyth floated in a corner from the left and Cameron Stewart was unmarked and left free to head home from 6 yards.

Ards hit back within 10 minutes, making the most of a temporary numerical advantage. With Stewart down injured, Michael Ruddy worked space down the left and pulled it back for Guillaume Keke who planted it into the bottom corner from 10 yards.

The home side responded well and were back in front before the half hour mark. Ards keeper Aaron Hogg failed to deal with a cross, and it eventually dropped to Stewart’s replacement Kirk Millar who poked it into the far corner.

The Blues' confidence swelled as the first period drew to a close and they deservedly scored their third. Smyth chased down a cross that initially looked overhit, but he collected it and squared it to Waterworth. The striker had his back to goal, but turned and fired in a low shot to score his 100th goal in 178 appearances for Linfield.

Ards offered little after the break and soon fell further behind. Stephen Lowry made it 4 with 68 minutes on the clock. Millar swept in a cross which was met at the back post by Niall Quinn. His effort was saved by Hogg but Lowry was in the right place at the right time and made no mistake with a tidy finish.

Linfield continued to dominate as Millar caused plenty of problems for Ards, almost grabbing another with a low shot that skimmed inches wide late on. The visitors then had Johnny Taylor sent off for a 2nd yellow in the 87th minute. Their misery was rounded off in added time as Aaron Burns made it 5 for the home side.

The victory reduced Crusaders' lead at the top of the table, cutting it back to 4 points. The champions don't play until Monday night when they host Ballinamallard.