St Patrick's Athletic 1 Monaghan United 1
Former Bohs player Derek McGrath earned a point for battling Monaghan United with a goal 13 minutes from time that left Saint Pat's in dire straits at Inchicore yesterday.
It was the last thing under fire Saints' boss Pat Dolan needed, as he awaits news from the National League on a date for their arbitration involving the nine points deducted from the Saints for an alleged FAI administrative error earlier in the season.
St Patrick's in front of one of their lowest ever crowds for a League game at Richmond Park nearly fell behind early in the game when former Bohemians defender, Robbie Bruton, was just wide with a free kick.
The St Patrick's breakthrough came a minute after the break with their Ugandan international, Mbabazi Livingston, involved in both the set up and the finish.
He released Liam Kelly down the flank and the striker pulled the ball back from the byline and Mbabazi was on hand to crash in at the far post.
It all turned sour however as the lethargic Saints sat back and allowed the Mons to grow in confidence as Eddie Mieir, Vaughan and McGrath punished the Saints for indecisive defending. The equalizer was an excellent finish by McGrath and no more than Monaghan deserved. The Saints will have to do some serious thinking to get things back in order for the trip to face the reigning League champions at Dalymount next week. Anything less than a drastic improvement could spell the end of our season with, or without any 9 points.
Golden Goal Minute: 46 in the Star
ST PATRICKS ATHLETIC: S Kelly; Croly, Maguire, Foley, Donnelly; Marney (G Doyle 86 mins), Russell (K Doyle76 mins), Osam, Griffin; Mbabazi, L Kelly (McCarthy 86 mins).
MONAGHAN UNITED: Downey; White, Brunton, Place, Mc Donnell; Mieir, Shiels, McGrath, King; Vaughan, McKenna.
Referee: H Whoriskey (Dublin)
