St Patrick's Athletic 1 Valletta 1:Declan O'Brien's debut goal was not enough to give St Patrick's Athletic a lead to take to Malta next week after a soft goal from visitors Valetta almost derailed their European hopes altogether.
O’Brien, recently arrived on loan from Dundalk, pounced to drive home after a fine cross from the right by Stephen Maher had been knocked down by Garreth O’Connor in the 36th minute.
Pat’s looked solid until the break but left something in the dressing room at halftime and were soon back on level terms.
Having threatened on number of occasions Valetta equalised 25 minutes from time when Agius played a neat one two with Gijsbertus den Ouden and made use of the time and space afforded him by the Pat’s defence to fire beyond Rogers in the Pat’s goal.
Pat’s escaped a couple of late penalty claims, that appeared more ball to hand than anything more sinister, but they’ll need more than what they showed tonight if they are play any part in the third round of the Europa League qualifiers.
