It may be a new season but some things never change. Linfield are top of the table and Dungannon Swifts’ dismal run at Windsor Park continues.
In 10 years as a Premiership force Dungannon have never won a league game at the international stadium.
And they are still waiting for that first elusive victory after Andy Waterworth’s double secured another three points for the Blues.
It seems hard to believe that a few weeks ago Linfield were bottom of the table with David Jeffrey under serious pressure.
Seven straight league wins later and the Blues are back on top, four points clear and looking good to wrestle back the Gibson Cup.
It took 40 minutes to find a gap in the Swifts’ defence, but once Waterworth broke the deadlock the Blues rarely looked in trouble.
Waterworth added a second just before the hour mark to all but wrap up the points.
It was a frustrating afternoon for Dungannon who, although largely written off ahead of kick-off, will still be disappointed with aspects of their performance.
Both Linfield’s goals came from lapses in concentration while the visitors struggled to impose themselves on the game at times.
Fans were left wondering whether, with a bit more belief and adventure, Dungannon could have caused more of a threat to the Blues.
The game had kicked off 45 minutes late because of a security alert on the M1, but the first half was definitely not one-way traffic.
Dungannon created the game’s first chance when Stephen Doyle’s cross was cleared to Terry Fitzpatrick, and his right-foot half-volley flashed narrowly over.
Linfield threatened when Matthew Tipton slipped the ball to Philip Lowry and, after he had been closed down, the ball broke to Niall Quinn who tested the goalkeeper with a firm, low drive.
Dungannon went close again in the 34th minute with the goalkeeper using both hands to push Johnny Topley’s free-kick clear of danger.
A one-two between Matt Hazley and Jamie Douglas ended with a cross-shot from the latter, with Doyle unable to get a touch as the ball passed the back post.
It was a real chance – and Swifts were made to pay just four minutes later.
Lowry broke down the right flank and crossed to Tipton. His shot was blocked by Fra Brennan but Waterworth reacted fastest to tap home.
It was unfortunate for goalkeeper Gareth Buchanan, who got a foot to the shot, but Murphy will question why Waterworth had been first onto the loose ball.
Linfield thought they had doubled their lead after half-time when Lowry slotted home after Waterworth’s shot came back off the post – but it was ruled out for offside.
Dungannon made a double change by bringing on Chris Lavery and Grant Hutchinson – but their plans were in tatters within 60 seconds.
Good approach play from Tipton saw him get past two defenders and cross to the back post, where Waterworth was left free to head home.
Dungannon needed something quickly– and they nearly got it. A corner from Lavery was cleared to Hazley, but his low drive was well blocked by the goalkeeper.
Then a powerful left-foot drive from Topley crashed just over the crossbar.
The final 20 minutes saw Linfield seize back control and they had several efforts on target, albeit none of them seriously troubled the goalkeeper.
LINFIELD: Tuffey, McVey (Glendinning, 86), Gault, Waterworth, Lowry, Carvill, BJ Burns, Ward, Tipton (McAllister, 68), Mulgrew, Quinn
Subs not used: A Burns, Knowles, McCaul
DGN SWIFTS: Buchanan, McKerr, Copeland, Brennan, Topley, Fitzpatrick, Harpur, Doyle (C Lavery, 57), Hazley, Glackin (Hutchinson, 57), Douglas (Lowe, 74)
Subs not used: Mulgrew, McCullough
Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)