Fagan secures a draw for St Pat's

Despite conceding a stoppage time equaliser, St. Patrick’s Athletic have given themselves every chance of making the third qualifying round of the Europa League after they came away from Bosnia with a 1-1 draw against NK Široki Brijeg in the first leg of their Europa League clash last night.

Veteran Brazilian Wagner headed home a deep cross from Mateo Bertosa in the 93rd minute to give Široki Brijeg a scarcely deserved draw on the night.

Christy Fagan had given St. Pat's the lead on 12 minutes when rifling to the net after Keeper Luka Bilobrik could only parry a shot by John Russell.

Russell should have given St. Pat’s the lead a minute early, but his weak penalty had been saved by Bilobrik.

Široki Brijeg had defender Mladen Jurcevic sent off for a second booking three minutes before half-time.

St. Pat’s came close to doubling their lead just before the hour mark when Chris Forrester hit a post with a curling shot.

Elsewhere, Airtricity League leaders Sligo Rovers lost 3-1 away to Slovakian side Spartak Trnava.

Sligo did well until nine minutes before the break when they conceded three times with Miroslav Karhan putting Spartak in front before a quick-fire doubled from Martin Mikovic.

Raff Cretaro hit the bar for Sligo in the second half before central defender Gavin Peers gave them a lifeline to take back to the Showgrounds next week when heading a vital away goal on 69 minutes from Danny North’s cross.