A 77th minute equaliser from Steven McCullough earned Portadown a battling 1-1 draw against faltering champions Larne at Inver Park on Saturday night.
The home side had edged in front just three minutes earlier through Andy Ryan but could not hang on for a much-needed three points.
The result means sixth-placed Larne – who make the short trip to Carrick Rangers on Tuesday night – trail runaway leaders Linfield by a whopping 24 points but with six matches in hand, accrued through their European campaign earlier in the season.
The Blues have a 19-point lead over second-placed Glentoran, having played two matches more.