Liam McStravick opened the scoring before Danny Gibson briefly drew Carrick level, only for Brian Healy, Rory Hale and Ben Quinn to put the Reds firmly in control by half-time.

Healy added his second in the 58th minute before substitute Rhyss Campbell struck twice to complete the scoring.

The victory was Cliftonville's first at home in the league since the 5 September and the first time they have scored seven in a game since 2014.

Reds run riot at Solitude

The home side made the breakthrough after nine minutes when Carrick failed to clear McStravick's drive following a one-two with Quinn, allowing the winger to regain possession and convert from close range.

That advantage lasted just five minutes as Jimmy Callacher headed Paul Heatley's free-kick into Gibson's path, with the striker rising highest to nod past PJ Morrison and haul the visitors level.

The Reds soon regained the initiative, restoring their lead on 22 minutes when Alex Bannon's through ball released Healy and, after Nathan Gartside denied him at the first attempt, McStravick retrieved possession down the right and cut the ball back for Healy to finish at the second attempt.

Back in front, Cliftonville gave themselves breathing space just after the half-hour mark as McStravick exchanged passes with Quinn on the edge of the area before crossing to the back post for Hale to convert for the second game in a row.

There was little respite for the away side as Jim Magilton's men added a fourth just two minutes later, with McStravick releasing Joe Sheridan down the right for the midfielder to pick out Quinn, who headed home from close range.

The hosts extended their lead after the restart when Aaron Wightman picked out Healy between the Carrick defence, allowing the frontman to rifle into the top corner for his seventh of the season.

The goals kept coming and in the 73rd minute substitute Campbell met Dean McMaster's corner at the back post with a deft flicked finish.

He then rounded off the scoring with his second late on by taking advantage of the space afforded him to pick his spot and curl a composed finish into the bottom corner.