Linfield hit three against Carrick Rangers

Carrick's Andrew Doyle with Linfield's Guy Bates

Linfield made it two wins from two with a comfortable 3-0 success at Carrick Rangers.

Second-half goals from Stephen Lowry, Aaron Burns and Kirk Millar saw Warren Feeney’s men preserve their 100 per cent start in the Danske Bank Premiership.

Newly-promoted Carrick were hosting their first top-flight match at Taylor’s Avenue in 20 years and they put up a brave fight until the 65th minute when Lowry broke the deadlock, losing his marker to head home from a corner.

Within the blink of an eye the Blues had doubled their advantage as Burns gleefully steered home past Gers stopper Brian Neeson.

Millar made it 3-0 with 12 minutes to go, volleying home from a left-wing cross.

Carrick Rangers: Neeson - Smyth, Doyle, Kelly, Traynor - Harmon (c), McNeill, Surgenor (Kane 19), McCloskey - Roy (Browne 75), Chines (Miskimmin 75). Subs not used: Arthur, Cherry.

Linfield: Glendinning - Ward, Hegarty (Quinn 71), Haughey, Clarke - Millar, Lowry, Mulgrew (Kee 76), Burns - Waterworth (c), Bates (Salley 86). Subs not used: Deane, TJ Murray.

Referee: Evan Boyce (Ballygowan).