Irish Premiership: Linfield 1-1 Carrick Rangers

Linfield needed a late equaliser from Aaron Burns to draw against Carrick Rangers in David Healy's first home league game in charge of the Blues.

Carrick keeper Brian Neeson twice brilliantly denied Burns in the first half including a penalty save.

After Carrick's Joe McNeill hit the woodwork, Miguel Chines put Rangers ahead from a penalty on 67 minutes.

Burns chipped over Neeson on 84 after a great Stephen Lowry ball as the draw kept the Blues top on goals scored.

Crusaders's 1-0 win over Glenavon moved them alongside the Blues on 30 points but while the two leading clubs have the same goal difference, Linfield lead on goals scored.

Linfield bossed possession for most of the contest but they had little punch in the final third of the field.

Neeson made his first great stop in the 12th minute as he diverted Burns's header out for a corner after a Guy Bates cross.

Brian Neeson had a tremendous game in goals for Carrick Rangers

The Carrick keeper performed more heroics in the 34th minute as he saved Burns's penalty after Aaron Traynor had brought down Waterworth.

McNeill almost put Rangers ahead 13 minutes after the resumption as his lob struck the top of the crossbar after Ross Glendinning's misdirected punch.

As Carrick sensed their opportunity, Conor McCloskey had a great chance but blasted over from 10 yards.

However, the 10th-placed club did take the lead on 67 minutes as Chines slotted a penalty after he himself had been felled in the box.

Inevitably, Linfield did rally and they got on terms six minutes from Burns superbly chipped Neeson after being played in by Lowry.

Both side have chances in injury-time with Linfield defender Chris Hegarty clearing a McCloskey effort off the line and Blues sub Adam Salley then volleying inches wide.