Drogheda dominated the early exchanges at United Park last night but in the end had to come from behind to share the spoils with St Patrick's Athletic.

The home side had a couple of early chances, but the final touch required to send the ball to the net failed to materialise.

St Patrick's first chance arrived with 20 minutes when Keith Fahey's 25-yard free was turned away by goalkeeper Dan Connor. But they took the lead just four minutes later when Aidan O'Keeffe's strike was beaten away by Connor, but the rebound fell to Robbie Doyle, who made no mistake driving to the net.

Drogheda pushed for an equaliser as the half progressed and Dave Freeman had the ball in the visitors' net just before half-time. However, the assistant referee's flag denied the home side.

The closing action of the first half saw Declan O'Brien head over as Drogheda pushed forward.

The opening stages of the second half saw neither side create an opportunity of note, but on the hour Drogheda drew level. Shane Robinson crossed from the right, and when O'Brien challenged the ball broke to Alan Reilly, who hammered home from 12 yards.

Reilly was dismissed 10 minutes later for a second bookable offence for a hefty challenge on Fahey.

St Patrick's had a real chance to win it when Gerard Rowe saw his excellent strike from the edge of the box just about shave the Drogheda post.

And Drogheda almost snatched the points when Declan O'Brien forced goalkeeper Barry Ryan into a fine save.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Connor, Lynch, Webb, Reilly, Malcolm, Gartland, Robinson, Ristilla, O'Brien, Freeman, Sandvliet. Subs: Rooney for Freeman (56 mins); Gray for Sandvliet (74 mins).

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan, Prenderville, Bell, Donnelly, Maguire, Foley, Rowe, Fahey, Doyle, O'Keeffe, Dunne. Subs: Quigley for Rowe (84 mins).

Referee: Dave McKeown (Dublin).