Whites no match for slick Blues

It was a good day for the Blues, they were the only team in the top six to win and it helped move them into second just two points behind leaders Cliftonville.

"It was a very good day," said boss David Jeffrey. "We produced an excellent team performance against a team battling for every point and it was a bonus to hear the other results went our way.

"The highlight for me was the third goal. It was not stylish by any means, but summed up the determination shown on the day. Peter Thompson chased a lost cause and ended up getting a goal. I was also pleased to see the way we went on to finish the game rather than be content with what we had."

The Whites had enjoyed a good spell in the opening exchanges and created two good chances. First a good run and shot from Gary Browne was hacked away from goal by JP Gallagher and then a powerful header from Stuart Thompson was well saved by keeper Alan Blayney.

But so often this season the Whites have failed to defend and they left former player Curtis Allen unmarked to head home a teasing cross from Robbie Garrett.

The second came from Michael Carvill, who came off the bench to replace the injured Jamie Tomelty. In the second half the Whites did battle hard but when Thompson scored his fortunte first of the day it was all over.

Mark McAllister made it 4-0 and a day of misery was complete for the home fans when Thompson burst through near the end to fire past an exposed Matthews.

On Tuesday night the Blues head off to Coleraine while the Whites play Glentoran at The Oval.