St Patrick's Athletic 3 Drogheda United 3Despite producing six goals, last night's encounter had more of a hangover feel about it than a festival. In fairness, it hasn't been a week to remember for St Patrick's. First, their inspirational winger Charles Mbabazi Livingstone was forced into early retirement, and then there was Sunday's FAI Cup final defeat.
In his programme notes, chairman Andy O'Callaghan said the club would "leave no stone unturned" to help the Ugandan international return to the field of play or, at the very least, they would assist with his medical bills for the treatment of his heart condition, via a trust fund.
It certainly seemed strange to see Keith Dunne combining with Karim El Kheybir on the left flank, and it was on this side that Andy Myler's opening goal originated in the 14th minute. A Gary Cronin header, from John Flanagan's cross, rebounded off the crossbar, leaving the striker with a straightforward finish.
The home side were level within two minutes thanks to a moment of brilliance from Keith Fahy. The winger's 25-yard free-kick sailed into the top left corner of the net.
Drogheda went in front again before the break. Chris Adamson was adjudged to have pulled Declan O'Brien down in the area, allowing Myler to grab his second from the spot.
But some terrible defending allowed David Freeman of St Patrick's to get to the byline, before he sent the ball into a clutter of bodies, where centre-back Darragh Maguire eventually got the final touch.
The second half came to life just after the hour mark when full back Barry Prenderville's powerful header, from a Fahy corner, seemed to ensure all three points for St Patrick's, only for O'Brien to pop up at the back post to head home the equaliser.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Adamson; Prenderville, Maguire, Foley, El Kheybir; Fahy, Donnelly, Osam (Murphy 70 mins), Dunne; Bird, Freeman (Foy 90 mins).
DROGHEDA UNITED: Rogers; Flanagan, O'Connor, Lynch, Gray; Quinnless, Tierney, Molloy, Cronin; O'Brien (Quinn 90 mins), Myler.
Referee: P Tuite (Dublin).
