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Linfield responded to David Jeffrey's resignation announcement by hammering Ballinamallard at Windsor Park.

Coming just hours after Jeffrey said he would be quitting at the end of the season, the result keeps the Blues just one point behind leaders Cliftonville.

Goals by Philip Lowry, Matthew Tipton and Andrew Waterworth had Linfield 3-0 up at half-time.

Lowry got the fourth and had a penalty saved before Ivan Sproule and Ross Clarke completed the scoring.

It was a comprehensive victory, and one which satisfied manager David Jeffrey.

"It was an excellent performance in difficult conditions," he said.

"They scored six goals against a Ballinamallard team which beat us twice here last season.

"Some people have been doubting my players and making silly statements, but this is a battle we will relish.

"Our clear focus is on bringing the Gibson Park back to Windsor Park."

Linfield's opening goal against the Mallards came on 24 minutes, Lowry walking the ball into the net from Sproule's bye-line pull back.

Tipton then forced in number two from close-range, and Waterworth got the better of two defenders to fire in the third in the 38th minute.

Midfielder Lowry shot in his second goal on 61 minutes and he then had a chance to complete his hat-trick with a penalty.

It followed a harsh hand-ball verdict against Mallards defender Mark Stafford - but Lowry's spot-kick was well saved by visiting keeper Alvin Rouse.

Sproule then scored his first goal for Linfield and substitute Clarke made it six with a shot which squirmed past Rouse.