Allen helps steer Blues four points clear

Allen took his tally to 13 for the season, but his efforts were just part of a superb overall performance which delighted boss David Jeffrey.

"Victory was essential tonight but the manner in which we achived it was excellent. After a great performance at the Oval we had to go out and do it all again. I know people talk about the games we have in hand but they mean nothing if you don't make them count. I'm interested in points on the board and I am delighted we managed to open up a four point gap at this stage.

"The quality of the goals was also very pleasing. The first came from a good header back across goal by William Murphy and Billy Joe Burns finished with a good header. The second from Curtis Allen was top quality and the third came as the result of some great football. The fourth was the most pleasing because I thought we maybe could have passed it a bit better on a couple of occasions. Peter did superbly well and did exactly what he should have by pulling the ball back for Curtis to score."

The first chance fell to Burns but he could only find the side netting with his header and then at the other end Ryan McIlmoyle posed a threat but keeper Alan Blayney did well to gather his shot.

On 22 minutes a lovely build-up deserved a goal when Peter Thompson passed to Mulgrew and he crossed for Thompson to connect but Rouse produced a wonder save to deny the Linfield striker.

The goal did come in the next attack when Curran's corner was headed back across goal by William Murphy and this time Burns made no mistake.

It was 2-0 after 31 minutes, Thompson picked out Curtis Allen, he set up the chance with a neat turn and his shot flew past Rouse and into the net.

Allen was gifted another chance on 40 minutes after a mistake at the back but this time Rouse dashed out to make the save. Thompson also found the side netting as the first half closed.

There was some concern for the home side when Mulgrew limped off early in the second half to be replaced by Aidan O'Kane. The visitors almost pulled a goal back when a McMinn header sailed inches over the bar.

The Blues sealed the game on the hour mark when Jamie Tomelty crossed and Philip Lowry was on hand to head home. The Swifts were awarded a penalty a minute later after Tomelty tripped up winger McIlmoyle and Michael Ward fired past Blayney.

The final goal of the night came on 70 minutes, a simple finish for Allen, but Thompson did well to cut the ball back into the danger zone.