Linfield 1-1 Newry City

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Champions Linfield drop two points against lowly Newry at Windsor Park

Linfield lost their leadership of the JJB Sports Premiership as struggling Newry City were full value for their draw at Windsor Park.

Stephen Garrett missed a great early Newry chance and while the Blues then dominated, Aidan O'Kane's own goal put the visitors ahead on 31 minutes.

The Blues hit the woodwork twice before Michael Carvill levelled on 78 minutes.

Garrett squandered a glorious late chance for Newry although Linfield's Robbie Garrett also went close.

Garrett should have put Newry ahead against his former club on seven minutes but Alan Mannus saved the striker's weak pointblank effort.

Linfield then enjoyed a spell of dominance as William Murphy and John Martin missed chances while Newry keeper Paul Murphy reacted brilliantly to deny Paul Munster.

However against the run of play, Newry took the lead on 31 minutes as O'Kane turned Ross Black's dangerous cross into his own net.

Munster had already been booked and he appeared lucky to stay on the pitch after leaving his foot in on the impressive Michael Collins.

The Linfield striker should have levelled after being set up Mulgrew but Munster lost his footing and the chance was lost.

As temperatures rose on the field and on the terraces, the Blues produced intense pressure before the break with John Martin and Thomas Lambe hitting the woodwork.

Lambe missed two more chances after the break as Linfield pressed while Munster also failed to find Carvill when the striker was in a great position.

Youngster Lambe was lucky to stay on the pitch after a bad tackle on Collins, which resulted in the centre-back's departure shortly afterwards.

The Blues did level on 78 minutes with Carvill getting the final touch after Martin had knocked on Robbie Garrett's cross.

Stephen Garrett should have put Newry ahead in the final minute when he only had Mannus to beat but the striker lobbed over the bar.

His namesake Robbie Garrett could have stolen the three points for Linfield but he was off-target as Newry ended a run of six straight defeats.