St Pat's secure a draw with dramatic comeback

St. Patrick's Athletic 3 Glentoran 3

St. Pat's came from 3-1 down to snatch a point with a stoppage time equaliser from midfielder Keith Fahey.

Glentoran punished a defensive error to snatch a fifth minute lead.

Saints' defender Joe O'Cearuill hesitated to deal with a long ball out of the Glens defence and striker Michael Halliday pounced to steal the ball, flick it over keeper Barry Ryan and tap it into the net.

The Dubliners hit back to level on 21 minutes in controversial fashion.

Glens keeper Elliott Morris parried shot from Gary O'Neill and appeared to have gathered the loose ball before O'Neill followed up to stab home. Glens protested vehemently but referee Colin Burns gave the goal.

A rash foul by David Partridge on Gary Hamilton gave Glens a penalty which Colin Nixon slotted home to regain their lead.

A poor punch from Ryan then fell to Daryl Fordyce who made it 3-1 on 84 minutes to appear to win it for Glens.

But Saints stormed back and O'Neill headed his second of the night from Des Byrne's cross on 88 minutes to set up a grandstand finish.

That duly arrived three minutes into added time when Fahey sidefooted home Michael Keane's corner to send the home fans into raptures.