In the high-profile clash between the best side of last season’s Irish League campaign and the current leaders, Linfield boss David Healy reflected on a 1-1 draw as “you feel like you have lost something”.

Matthew Fitzpatrick’s overhead kick finish handed control to Healy and his Linfield squad on home soil at Windsor Park towards the hour mark.

However, Coleraine grabbed an equaliser over added time off Matthew Shevlin to protect top spot in the standings.

Late red cards arrived for Linfield’s Ethan McGee and Ben Hall.

placeholder image — Matthew Fitzpatrick finds the net for Linfield off an overhead kick in the 1-1 draw with Coleraine at Windsor Park. (Photo by Andrew McCarroll/Pacemaker Press)

"Frustrated,” was the post-match feeling of Linfield boss Healy when interviewed by BBC Sport NI. “I thought we had done enough to win the game.

"One or two things got away from us today, which is disappointing...but I thought we were good and I thought we worked hard today.

"We probably had the best moments and, frustratingly, we didn't go and see the game out."

Both sides recently shared the spoils in a 2-2 draw at Coleraine Showgrounds.

"Coleraine are well-drilled, well-organised and probably the best team that has come to Windsor in a good number of years in terms of their squad set-up," said Healy. "If we had of been short today, we probably would have lost the game."

A result of honours even has left Linfield sitting fourth, 11 points behind the Bannsiders but with three games in hand.

Larne edge Glentoran in second on goal difference following, respectively, a Friday win over Portadown and shock Saturday loss to Glenavon.

"It is the toughest and most competitive," said Healy when asked to reflect on the standard of the top domestic division this season. "Other teams are every inch champions this year when you look at some of the three or four other teams.

"It is a really competitive league this year and days like today, when momentum swings, you feel like you have lost something."

The draw for the BetMcLean Cup quarter-finals and semi-finals has delivered an eye-catching clash between holders Cliftonville and last season’s runners-up, Glentoran.

Joe Gormley’s sole goal settled the 2025 showpiece and both clubs will now line out over the quarter-finals.

Ballymena United play host to Larne.

Third-tier Newry City AFC and Moyola Park have been rewarded for progress with home ties against Premiership sides, respectively, Linfield and Coleraine.

Quarter-finals have been scheduled for Tuesday, December 2 and Wednesday, December 3.

The semi-final draw is as follows: Newry City AFC/Linfield v Ballymena United/Larne; Glentoran/Cliftonville v Moyola Park/Coleraine over Tuesday, January 27 and Wednesday, January 28.

The winners of this season’s BetMcLean Cup will secure a spot in the domestic European play-off final.