Robert Mahon comes within inches of a spectacular equaliser, his thunderous long-range effort crashing against the crossbar with Aaron McCarey well beaten.

Meanwhile, Shay McCartan is cautioned for a cynical foul on Fra McCaffrey.

Matthew Fitzpatrick adds a third for Linfield at Windsor Park.

Nathaniel Ferris continues to cause problems, showing great strength to turn Baris Altintop in the box, but the defender recovers brilliantly to block the shot.

The substitute has given the hosts a new dimension in these closing stages.

Stuart King
Former Carrick Rangers manager on BBC Sportsound

From the first five minutes they (Dungannon) have been really on top. It's a really professional job they have done today. At times they have had to slow things down to keep possession of the ball, they've done that and when they have had to break quickly, they have had the players to be able to do that - a top, top, top performance.

The home side goes agonisingly close to an equaliser as Robbie Norton's corner meets Nathaniel Ferris, whose header cannons off McCarey's left-hand post.

The Villagers are enjoying their best spell of the match, but can they make it count?

Nathaniel Ferris creates Loughgall's best opportunity with a powerful run, unleashing a low drive that forces Aaron McCarey into a crucial save.

The former Glentoran keeper turns it behind for a corner as the Villagers finally show the cutting edge they've been missing.

So nearly a fourth for Linfield and a second for Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Kyle McClean plays a super pass through the middle of Carrick's defence to find Charlie Allen and he squares the ball left to the unmarked Fitzpatrick.

However, the striker tries to walk past keeper Ross Glendinning and by the time he shoots, reinforcements are blocking the ball.

A double change from Niall Currie as Paul McElroy and Josh Ukek enter the fray, replacing Ahu Obhakhan and goalscorer James Teelan.

The Ports boss refreshing his attacking options as they aim to secure all three points.

Adam Towe produces a heroic goal-line clearance after Ryan Mayse had done the hard work by rounding Nathan Gartside.

The defender's crucial intervention keeps the Villagers in the contest - a moment that could prove vital in their battle against relegation.

The game has fallen into somewhat of a lull which will suit the Swifts perfectly. Declan Caddell has rung the changes to limited effect so far.

Philip Major
Sportsound summariser

It's all done and dusted at this stage. A beautiful cross from Kirk Millar and a deft finish from Matthew Fitzpatrick.

Ryan Mayse wastes a promising set-piece position, delivering his free-kick straight into Nathan Gartside's grateful arms when he had plenty of Portadown shirts in the penalty area to hit.

Euan East on the overlap strokes home Linfield's second at Windsor Park.

Here is how Joel Cooper opened the scoring with a cool finish after weaving into the box.

Niall Currie makes his first change of the afternoon, introducing three-goal striker Shay McCartan for Rabby Minzamba.

Ryan Mayse meets Aaron Traynor's corner with a clean volley, but a crowd of Loughgall defenders put their bodies on the line to make the block.

Ben Murdock's initial clearance falls to Eamon Fyfe, but the Loughgall captain recovers quickly to throw himself in front of the midfielder's effort to prevent the away side from doubling their advantage.

Philip Major
Sportsound summariser

It was good play from (Cammy) Ballantyne - he showed real poise, really nice technique and a great through ball and it was bashed home by Euan East. If anything, the way Linfield have come out in the second half, it looks like that has put the game to bed at this stage.

The hosts much more comfortable in possession now knowing they do not have to chase the game.

Carrick have resorted to long balls as they try to use Paul Heatley's pace to get in behind the defence.