Scott Young believes Cliftonville blew a big chance to stamp their authority on the title race but insists there are plenty more twists and turns to come.
The Reds missed the opportunity to go top of the Irish Premiership after being held to a goalless draw by Larne on Saturday.
The stalemate leaves Cliftonville one point behind Linfield with just three games remaining.
Read more: Irish Premiership RECAP as Cliftonville blow chance to go top amid tense title race
Former Irish League midfielder and manager Young says he expected Cliftonville to capitalise on Linfield's draw on Friday night, but insists Paddy McLaughlin's players didn't do enough to earn the win which would have sent them top.
"I think it is a disappointing day for Cliftonville," he told the BBC.
"It could have been worse, they could have been beaten. But after last night's result you would have expected Cliftonville to be on the front foot from minute one.
"They huffed and puffed and didn't do enough offensively. They can thank their back four and goalkeeper for getting them a point.
"All is not lost, but it was in their hands before today's game. And now it's not. I still think there will be plenty of twists and turns, especially with teams like Crusaders who are on such a run and will have a say.
"But the fans here today would have expected a really tremendous day in their final home game. They would have wanted to finish with a bang and get the three points and go top, and all the positivity that comes with that.
"And unfortunately it never happened for Cliftonville."
Cliftonville's final three games are all away from home, starting with Easter Tuesday's trip to Coleraine and then a North Belfast derby at Seaview next Saturday.
Their final league game is away to Glentoran.
Young said: "I fully expected Cliftonville to get a result today. It was their last home game of the season, and it came after last night's result. I have been that position before and you just can't wait to get out there.
"But they huffed and puffed, and they owe their point to the back four and goalkeeper. You look for your front players to create that bit of magic, but it didn't happen.
"It is as you were, with Cliftonville a point behind Linfield, and very much everything to play for.
"But if someone had said to you Linfield would draw last night, and you had a chance to go top today, you would have bitten their arm off for it.
"So they will be disappointed, but they are still very much in this title race."
He added: "I expected Cliftonville to get a result today, and I can't help think Paddy will go home tonight with a sense of disappointment.
"But he will lift the players before Tuesday's trip to Coleraine.
"This guy has produced a miracle. He has half the budget of Linfield and Glentoran. They are a part-time club who are one point behind the leaders.
"But the bottom line is they will be disappointed not getting the three points today."
Read more: Irish League fans pick former club legends they'd love to re-sign
Read more: Elliott Morris picks out the Best Glentoran XI he played with
Sign up to our free sports newsletter to get the latest headlines to your inbox.
