Dublin City - 1 St Patrick's Ath - 1: Life has been difficult for Dublin City in the early stages of this season's Premier Division following their promotion as champions of Division One. But maybe its about to get a little better after they deservedly picked up their first point last night at Tolka Park.

Although a draw gives them their first reward in four outings they could have had more only for St Patrick's to grab a 73rd minute equaliser.

City had seemed set for the win after taking the lead in the 66th minute when Gary O'Neill fed Paul Crowley, who turned the defender inside out before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Chris Adamson.

But it was a lead which was to last just seven minutes as the visitors earned a point when City failed to clear their lines and Keith Dunne punished them, firing home from 20 yards.

Certainly Dublin City could feel a little unlucky not to have had some sort of advantage at the half-time break as during that opening 45 minutes they had looked the more threatening outfit.

DUBLIN CITY: Horgan, Ennis, Byrne, McGauley, Whelehan, Crowley, Tierney, Colwell, O'Neill, Scully, O'Connor. Subs: Burke for Scully (77 mins). Hughes for O'Neill (90 mins).

ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC: Adamson, Donnelly, El Khabir, Ndo, Maguire, Foley, Casey, Fahy, Bird, Rose, Dunne. Subs: Quigley for Donnelly (half-time). Osam for Casey (half-time), O'Keeffe for Rose (77 mins)

Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).