Pats held scoreless in Euro encounter

St Patrick's Athletic 0 Odense BK 0

St Patrick's Athletic have it all to do in the second leg in Denmark in a fortnight's time after tonight's scoreless draw with Odense in the UEFA Cup first round, first leg tie at Richmond Park.

It was a battling performance by the Inchicore men who ran themselves to a standstill against quality opposition.

Despite having to concede possession for long periods, John McDonnell's team defended resolutely for a deserved draw.

St Pat's threatened early on when a magnificent low cross from the right by Anto Murphy opened up the Danes's defence, but American striker Ryan Guy was unable to apply the vital finishing touch.

Then Guy played a neat exchange of passes with Murphy only to see former Celtic man Ulrik Laursen make a vital interception at the edge of the box.

Laursen had a close-range header excellently held by 'keeper Barry Ryan.

But Pat's also came close to breaking the deadlock when midfielder Keith Fahey created an opening for Stephen Paisley on 43 minutes, only for the defender's header to flash just wide of the post.

Keeper Barry Ryan performed late when pushing out an Absalonsen effort in injury time.