However, it took an 90th minute Jamie Mulgrew goal to earn the Blues a share of the spoils after Keith Fahey had given Pats the advantage five minutes before half-time.

He struck with a back post header after meeting a Mark Quigley cross from the left in what was one of few first half chances created by either side.

It was a different story after the break, though, as Linfield enjoyed the lions' share of possession with Glenn Ferguson, Noel Bailie and Mulgrew all going close while Winkie Murphy had an 89th minute effort cleared off the line after Paul Munster had headed against the bar.

But the long awaited and much deserved equaliser arrived just as the game drifted into stoppage time when Mulgrew fired a Paul McAreavey pass forward with the ball taking a deflection on its way past substitute 'keeper Ryan Guy.