Dungannon Swifts 2 St Patrick's Athletic 2:It ended in a draw, but everyone was a winner last night at Stangmore Park. Neither team deserved to lose in a highly entertaining tie and the supporters were treated to a great spectacle in dreadfully wintry conditions.
Brilliant teenage star Mark McAllister from Portadown gave Swifts a dream start, his third minute goal aided by uncharacteristic sloppiness in the St Pat's defence.
And they threatened to double their advantage as they kept the visitors on the back foot before St Pat's finally settled into the groove to equalise on 18 minutes - Alan Kirby's fourth goal of the season a superb strike from 18 yards.
The table-toppers were stunned when Dungannon regained the lead on 34 minutes. David Scullion playing a superb pass to Everaldo, the Brazilian's delightful first touch preceding a wonderful lob from close range over the advancing Ryan.
St Pat's made two changes at the break and they went on the offensive immediately, their industry and initiative being finally rewarded with a Keith Fahey equaliser on 48 minutes.
DUNGANNON SWIFTS: Nelson, Wray, Gallagher, Montgomery, McMinn, T Fitzpatrick, McCluskey, McAree (Baron 76), McAllister, Everaldo, Scullion.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan, S Quigley, Brennan, Maguire, Frost, Fahey, M Foley (O'Connor 45), Ndo, Kirby, Murphy, Rooney (M Quigley 45).
Referee: Richie Winter (Dublin).
