An Aaron Bolger strike in the 94th minute from distance earned John Caulfield’s men a precious point and knocked the Saints off top spot in the Premier Division in the process, on Friday night.

Pat’s had cruised into a two-goal lead through goals from Ryan Edmondson and the impressive Chris Forrester. However, Bolger equalised soon after and Galway’s second-half perseverance was rewarded in the end, which will be a cruel blow to the Dubliners.

Following their draw in Waterford last week, United manager Caulfield felt his side could give the league leaders a game if they performed like they did at the RSC, and the former Cork City manager’s confidence was justified. Galway put in a spirited a performance and their heads never dropped despite going behind as Caulfield and Stephen Kenny renewed their longstanding rivalry.

In a physical affair at Terryland, the away side started brightly, and they took the lead in the 13th minute when Edmondson headed home from close range.

Moments prior to the opener, Kian Leavy had the ball in the Galway net, but his effort was ruled out for offside.

Ten minutes later, James Brown had a huge opportunity to double the St Pat’s lead, but his effort was brilliantly blocked by Gianfranco Facchineri.

However, the visitors doubled their advantage nine minutes into the second half when Forrester finished to an empty net after a fine team move.

To their credit, Galway didn’t lie down and minutes later they pulled a goal back with a brilliant volley from Bolger.

The visitors’ defence remained solid in the remaining minutes. However, deep in injury-time United levelled matters through Bolger’s fine effort to the delight of the home support.

Galway United will travel to Celtic Park to face Derry City next Monday, while on the same evening St Patrick’s Athletic are away in Connacht again, this time at Sligo Rovers.

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