HJK Helsinki - 1 Drogheda Utd - 1: A wonderful goal from Shane Robinson, some imposing defending by captain Jason Gavin and an heroic penalty save from Dan Connor all contributed hugely as Drogheda United made an auspicious return to Europe.

Robinson's first half goal means that Drogheda, beaten 14-0 on aggregate by Tottenham Hotspur in their only other tie in Europe in 1983, have every chance of progressing to the second round.

"I think coming out here we'd have been happy scoring an away goal," said manager Paul Doolin after his debut as a coach in Europe. "I think we did well in the first half, but to be fair to HJK they did well in the second. We defended quite well and still had a couple of chances towards the end. But I think all in all a draw was a fair result."

Winger Robinson capped Drogheda's first half performance with the lead goal on 41 minutes. New signing Tony Grant, lively from the start on his debut, outwitted HJK right-back Veli Lampi, robbing him of the ball as the defender tried to shepherd it out for a goal kick. Grant set up Robinson whose wonderful curling shot entered the net off the far post and he'll go down in the club's history as their first player to score in Europe. Prior to that Gavin's superbly-timed tackle on Jarno Parikka, to prevent him getting in on goal, was perfection as the first chance of the match after three minutes was snuffed out.

Connor made a fine tip over save early in the second half before HJK looked like there were back in the match on 74 minutes when Graham Gartland handled the ball on the ground to give away a penalty. But Connor first parried Farid Ghazi's spot kick and then made a brave block from the rebound before gathering the ball.

Damien Lynch brought a good stop from Ville Wallen at the other end five minutes later before HJK levelled six minutes from time. Tired defending was punished as Markus Halsti wasn't picked up from Sebastian Sorsa's corner and he drilled a half volley to the net.

"It's never going to be easy at home," added Doolin. "Over the two games there won't be much in it. We're looking forward to the return leg.

HJK HELSINKI: Wallen; Lampi, Marjamaa, Halsti, Aalto; Nurmela, Pohja, Hakanpaa (Oravainen 72 mins), Sorsa; Parikka (Zeneli 69 mins), Ghazi (Savolainen 86 mins).

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor; Shelley, Gavin, Gartland, Webb; Whelan, Keegan, Lynch, Robinson; Zayed (Ristila 57 mins), Grant (Barrett 72 mins).

Referee: Audrius Zuta (Lithuania).