Michael Carvill scored a fine volley from the edge of the penalty area to equalise for Linfield in the 82nd minute against Portadown.

The Ports had been on course for only their second league win of the season after substitute Gary McCutcheon put them into the lead on 63 minutes.

McCutcheon slid the ball past Alan Blayney from 10 yards after Tim Mouncey had chested the ball down.

After Carvill's goal, Linfield piled on the pressure could not get a winner.

The Blues had also had the best chances in the first half but Mark McAllister and Carvill were both denied by Ports keeper Neil Armstrong who had an excellent game.

But Linfield could easily have been behind at half-time as Alan Blayney pulled off a brilliant diving save to turn away a strong effort from Neil Teggart.

Late in the game Armstrong made another impressive save to tip over Jamie Tomelty's effort.

For the Ports, it was a much-improved display after their 4-1 defeat by Dungannon.

"We felt we had to put on a good show because last week we let people down," said skipper John Convery.

"I thought we were unlucky not to get the three points but Linfield battled until the end."

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