Six-hit Blues march on

On paper the 6-2 victory looks very impressive however there was much more drama to this top v bottom encounter at Windsor Park on Tuesday night.

After Peter Thompson struck the opening blow on two minutes after good work on the flank by Jim Ervin the visitors were reduced to 10 men. Celtic skipper Stephen McAlorum was given a straight red after he appeared to stamp on Michael Gault. DC boss Paddy Kelly was livid at the decision and after protesting with the fourth official he was sent to the stands.

The second goal came on 27 minutes and it brilliantly swept home by Curtis Allen from the edge of the box.

Player of the Month Robert Garrett added a third in the next attack, darting into the box and skipping past three defenders before drilling the ball home.

It was plain sailing at this stage but then DC pulled a goal by thanks to a stunning thunderbolt shot from Ciaran Cargan.

The three goal cushion was restored again when Thompson make it 4-1, although the chance was set on a plate for him by the DC keeper Brown who spilled a cross from Allen.

The second half saw the visitors mount a real challenge and they were out of luck when McAllister wrapped the woodwork with Blayney beaten.

Jamie Mulgrew came off the bench to make his 200th appearance for the Blues and soon after the DC keeper was again at fault to drop the ball and Allen gleefully snapped up the chance.

It was 6-1 when Mark McAllister flashed a shot at goal and to his delight the keeper again made a poor effort to keep it out.

DC to their credit kept pressing and from a corner sub Declan O'Hara was allowed to rise unchallenged to head home.

While pleased to pick up the win, David Jeffrey also focused on defence.

"First of all I am delighted to win and if you come out 6-2 it is a good night's work. However, I have to look at the fact that we conceded two goals which could have been prevented. Perhaps we had too much possession and you have to give Donegal Celtic a lot of credit because they worked extremely hard with ten men, but we could have been a lot better in certain areas and situations," said Jeffrey.

Linfield goalkeeper Alan Blayney has again been called up to the national squad, for the friendly game against Morocco at Windsor Park on November 17.

Linfield's game at Donegal Celtic on New Year's Day has been switched to New Year's Eve. with a 2.00pm kick off.