MANAGER'S VIEW: Linfield frustration as 'we didn't deal well enough by being in front'
Linfield lost the lead on two occasions at Carrick Rangers after Kobei Moore and Matthew Fitzpatrick goals secured control, with Paul Heatley scoring the first equaliser and delivering for Danny Gibson to make it 2-2.
Carrick goalkeeper Nathan Gartside pulled off a superb penalty save to deny Chris Shields from the spot at 2-2.
Here’s the post-match verdict of Linfield boss David Healy:
OVERALL VIEW...
“It's hard to sort of work out...this is a really difficult place to come, they put you under pressure with the way they play.
"We didn't deal well enough by being in front.
"We didn't deal well enough for the two goals.
"I would sum that up in saying we didn't manage the game and we were leading the game twice.
"That's frustrating and it's disappointing.
"The two goals...we discussed it throughout the week - Carrick's threats, Carrick's dangers.
"And we didn't do enough to deal with that today.
"We had one or two moments in the second half where we potentially could have scored, but we didn't.
“Obviously disappointed not to score the penalty.”
FRUSTRATION AT RESULT…
"You have to be respectful, in terms of the game.
"Carrick had one or two moments the threats that they have.
"Of course, when we don't win a game, there's always a disappointment that we haven't found a way to win a game.
"Because we've done that previously.
"Late on in the game, did we put enough pressure on them?
"A couple of little bits and pieces, but we didn't really bang the door down.
"The first goal is so basic...(Paul) Heatley's done it for nearly 20 years in this league.
"It wasn't as if we weren't aware of the dangers.
“Then we didn't deal with the second phase of the cross coming in (Danny Gibson)...something Carrick are very good at.
"The longevity...he (Heatley) still has the pace and the energy.
"The hunger to keep going...it's a credit.
"Nobody knows him better than somebody like Stephen (Baxter, Carrick boss)...it's an easy fit.
"He's caused us numerous problems in my 11 years here.
"He caused Linfield problems before I arrived.”
REACTION TO DRAW…
"We've a really good group of players...they're disappointed in there and rightly so.
"As I said, the disappointing and frustrating thing most importantly for me today is we took the lead twice.
"We never looked – even when we were leading the game – as if we were maybe going to settle down for 15, 20 minutes and maybe then get the next goal.
"And all of a sudden it gives you a wee bit more of a platform.
"It certainly wasn't one of those games today.
“The pitch is credit to Carrick.
"You have to tip your hat to Carrick...over the last 18 months they've added seating in, they've worked on the pitch, they've freshened the place up.”