Drogheda united 1 St Patrick's Athletic 1: Shane Robinson's last-gasp equaliser 30 seconds into added time earned Drogheda United a late reprieve against St Patrick's Athletic at United Park last night.

Mark Leech, who five minutes earlier saw an effort tipped onto the upright by St Patrick's goalkeeper Barry Ryan, showed persistence down the right and when he pulled the ball back Robinson arrived on cue to drill home the deserved equaliser.

St Patrick's had taken the lead against the run of play after 77 minutes. Ian Maher pulled the ball across the six-yard line from the right and Robbie Doyle turned the ball into the net from a tight angle.

Drogheda began brightly and in the opening minutes Declan O'Brien saw a looping header drop just over the bar. St Patrick's first chance fell to ex- Drogheda player Alan Reilly who fired over from 12 yards.

Reilly then swung a corner over from the left for Barry Prenderville whose header was comfortably saved by Drogheda goalkeeper Dan Connor.

Drogheda continued to press for the opening goal as Robinson rose to meet Fahey's free only to see the ball drop just the wrong side of the post.

The best chance of the first half fell to the home side when former St Patrick's star Fahey's shot from 10 yards was turned away by Ryan's foot.

United were denied what appeared to be a strong penalty claim after 35 minutes when O'Brien was bundled off the ball by Seán O'Connor but referee Paul McKeon waved play on. Dominant Drogheda had the last word of the opening half when Ristila and Robinson combined for the latter to cross but Malcolm failed to get a touch.

DROGHEDA UTD: Connor; Lynch, Webb, Keegan (Rooney 84), Gavin, Gartland, Robinson, Fahey, O'Brien, Malcolm (Leech 67), Ristila (Bernard 57).

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Prenderville, Frost, Maher, Caffrey, Brennan, Larson (Doyle 34), Reilly, Armstrong, Foley (Maguire 90), O' Connor (Donnelly 87).

Referee: Paul McKeon (Dublin).