Linfield's David Jeffrey with Distillery boss Paul Kirk at New Grosvenor

After their 2-1 win away to Larne on Saturday, Cliftonville are a point ahead of Linfield who were held to a 0-0 draw at Lisburn Distillery.

"Cliftonville have it in their hands now," said Jeffrey who is aiming for a third successive championship.

"The reality is they are the favourites and we are the team chasing them."

Saturday's draw at New Grosvenor was the first time the Blues had failed to score since their stalemate against Cliftonville on 7 January.

"We created the most chances but when Glenn Ferguson hit the post it underlined that it was not going to be our day," added Jeffrey.