The game at Oriel Park last night ended in controversial circumstances as Dundalk had what looked like a perfectly good score disallowed.

The controversial incident occurred in the 73rd minute as Dundalk were awarded a free kick on the right. Dundalk's new signing Ronnie McQuilter rolled the free to David Crawley who smashed a great shot to the St Patrick's net from about 25 yards. To everybody's amazement referee, John McDermot called for the kick to be retaken and this time McQuilter's effort was tipped over the bar by goalkeeper Trevor Wood.

Referee McDermot's explanation after the game was that he had not signalled the kick to be taken as he was adjusting the St Patrick's wall but incensed Dundalk officials were not prepared to accept this and said after the game that they would be objecting to his handling of the cup game against Shelbourne at the same venue next week.

Whatever the merits of the referee's decision, this was quite a good game that should have been won easily enough by St Patrick's but Dundalk defended well throughout and had their chances to score on other occasions.

The signing of McQuilter from Sterling Albion earlier in the day certainly helped the Dundalk defence as he kept Ian Gilzean in check.

St Patrick's, however, had a match winner in their new signing, Liam Braithwaite as he waltzed through the Dundalk defence seemingly at will but just lacked the finish to get the match winner.

Another factor in the result was the great display in goal by Dundalk's Steve Williams who made a number of good saves particularly after 20 minutes from Trevor Molloy and another in the second half at the feet of Gilzean.

One of Dundalk's best efforts came early in the second half when Wood did well to parry away a good effort from Dundalk's Raymond Campbell.

After the disallowed score St Patrick's seemed as upset as the home side by the outcome and Dundalk gained more confidence with a draw a fair result in the end.