St Pat's rescue point at Derry

Derry City 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic 1

St. Patrick’s Athletic came from behind in front of new boss Pete Mahon to salvage a point in their Setanta Sports Cup Group 3 opener at the Brandywell.

With five changes in their starting line-up, St. Pat’s could have little complaint in finding themselves a goal down at the break.

That came on 44 minutes when a clumsy challenge by John Lester resulted in him tripping winger Liam Kearney and Thomas Stewart fired the penalty past Brendan Clarke, despite the keeper getting a hand to the ball.

But midfielder Lester made amends after the break, hitting a stunning equaliser on 56 minutes when his powerful 35 yard shot dipped over Derry keeper Ger Doherty and into the net.