Redmond snatches late Pat's leveller to frustrate Derry

A dogged St Patrick's Athletic snatched an unlikely point, leaving Derry City demoralised, at a heaving Richmond Park.

FULL MATCH DETAILS

A slow burner before 4,789 fans came to life in the second quarter, in which Jordan McEneff's goal was enough to separate the sides - until the final minute, when Joe Redmond showed predatory instincts from a matter of yards.

Saints are perhaps a little further behind in terms of development - and perhaps resources - relative to the Ulstermen, who impressed with the players they introduced in the second half, but Redmond epitomised the home side's perseverance to restore parity when Derry looked certain to win.

Undoubtedly, home boss Tim Clancy will feel relieved, but Derry were the better team for most of the game, so both sides will have lots to think about after a gripping first night of the season.

They were queuing in large numbers well before an hour prior to kick-off, the bars in Inchicore heaving with both Saints and Derry fans; in this reporter's life there has never been a buzz like this for the League of Ireland - but did we have two legitimate title contenders in their bids to dethrone Shamrock Rovers on a mild night by the Camac?

There was a blow for City before a ball was kicked, Michael Duffy ruled out, with Ollie O'Neill - on loan from Fulham - making a hasty debut for the bookmakers' second favourites in the title race. Eoin Doyle started on the bench for Saints, Tommy Lonergan up front with Mark Doyle.

The atmosphere was something else in the opening ten minutes, each set of supporters exorcising the frustration of months without football.

Estonian international Vladislav Kreida impressed almost immediately but faded thereafter in the Saints engine room, one of those he