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Linfield maintained their two-point lead at the top of the Premiership thanks to an improved second-half display against Dungannon Swifts.

The best chance of a pedestrian first half saw Mark Haughey head over the bar from a Jamie Mulgrew corner.

Andy Waterworth fired home a fantastic strike from the edge of the box in the 51st minute and Michael Carvill's deft finish on 75 minutes made it 2-0.

Billy Joe Burns rifled a shot into the roof of the net in the 82nd minute.

The first half at Windsor Park lacked urgency, although Gareth Buchanan was called upon to save a Waterworth shot and Mark McAllister missed a good opportunity when he decided to pass instead of shoot for goal.

Waterworth's 23rd goal of the season broke the deadlock, then Carvill, who replaced flu victim Aaron Burns in the starting line-up, netted his sixth of the campaign after McAllister's assist.

Burns made the victory safe after latching onto a flick by Waterworth, for his second of the season and his first goal for five months.

The Blues could have extended their lead as Niall Quinn struck the upright, Philip Lowry saw his header turned onto the woodwork by Buchanan and Carvill also went close.