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Linfield boss David Jeffrey is refusing to throw in the towel despite dropping two vital points at home to Portadown.

The Blues are now three points behind champions Cliftonville with just two matches left.

Linfield had taken the lead at the start of the second half through Michael Carvill but Darren Murray snapped up an equaliser for the Ports.

"Cliftonville are in the box seat now, but no way is this over," said Jeffrey who leaves at the end of the season.

"The players are gutted at the moment. It was just one of those days when we didn't take our chances.

"Being objective, though, Portadown had chances too and a draw was perhaps fair.

"We are not giving up on this - not by a long shot.

"Cliftonville are the clear favourites, three points clear with a better goal difference.

"So we are looking for them to be beaten twice and they have not been beaten for a long time.

"But they have tough away matches against Portadown and Crusaders who are both going to third place."

Linfield's goal came just 45 seconds into the second half with Carvill turning in from close-range after Aaron Burns had played the ball into the danger area from the left.

Murray reacted to head in after home keeper Jonathan Tuffey had fluffed his attempt to punch away Chris Casement's dipping free-kick.