The visitors threatened early in the first half, with Matthew Fitzpatrick testing Scott Pengelly from distance before Rangers defended well to deny further pressure, including a goal-bound header that was blocked by Luke McCullough.
The match swung in Rangers’ favour in the 33rd minute when Linfield were reduced to ten men. Josh Archer was dismissed for pulling down Paul Heatley as the striker broke through on goal. Rangers pushed on after the interval and went close early in the second half when Aidan Steele delivered a dangerous cross, with Heatley’s header just wide of the post.
The home side continued to press for a winner and nearly found it late on when Adam Lecky flicked the ball into Heatley’s path, but his right-footed volley cleared the crossbar. The chance of the night came five minutes from time, Mikey Place crossed from the right hand side for Steele to turn and direct a shot towards the bottom corner, but Linfield keeper Chris Johns got down superbly to keep the scores level.
Despite sustained pressure against ten men, Rangers were unable to find the breakthrough and had to be content with a hard-earned point at Taylor’s Avenue.
The 'Gers sit in 11th place but gained a crucial point over Glenavon and next visit Solitude to face sixth-place Cliftonville on Saturday, January 17, at 15:00 GMT. The match will be available to fans outside the UK on OneFootball for subscribers.
