Linfield missed a late penalty as they were held to a 2-2 draw by Carrick Rangers in the Premiership on Saturday. The result means David Healy's side remain second in the table but are now six points behind leaders Coleraine, with a key away fixture against Larne coming up on Saturday. Linfield sit second in the Premiership on 25 points after ten games, with a record of eight wins, one draw, and one loss. Their recent form of three wins and two draws from their last five games has kept them in the title race, though they are six points behind leaders Coleraine FC.
Kobei Moore gave Linfield the lead in the 11th minute, slotting home for his third goal of the season. Carrick Rangers responded through Paul Heatley's equaliser midway through the first half, but Matthew Fitzpatrick restored the visitors' advantage five minutes before the break with a powerful long-range strike.
Danny Gibson levelled the score again for the hosts just seven minutes into the second half. Linfield had a golden chance to retake the lead just after the hour mark when Chris Shields stepped up for a penalty, but his effort was saved by Nathan Gartside diving to his right. Shields had previously scored from the spot in the 2-0 win over Bangor on Saturday 10 October.
Linfield goalkeeper Chris Johns made several important stops to keep the scores level, including denying Heatley and Gibson. Matthew Snoddy also cleared a Kitt Nelson effort off the line. The Blues made three substitutions in the second half as they pushed for a winner, but they had to settle for a point.
The draw extends Linfield's unbeaten run in the league to five matches, a sequence that includes three wins and two draws. They have taken 25 points from their opening ten fixtures. A win there is essential to keep pace at the top. Their next fixture is away to Larne on Tuesday 20 October, a match against the side currently third in the table. This season, Linfield have scored 14 goals and conceded six, giving them a goal difference of plus eight. Their top scorer this season is Álex Gorrín with 0 goals in 7 appearances.
