Elfsborg (2) - St Patrick's Athletic (2)

Match Report

Elfsborg 2 - St Patrick's Athletic 2

St Patrick's Athletic have every chance of progressing to the first round proper of the UEFA Cup after claiming a 2-2 draw in their second qualifying round, first leg clash with Swedish side Elfsborg.

The Dublin side fell behind after just 24 minutes after conceding a penalty which midfielder Stefan Ishizaki slotted home.

The Swedes doubled their lead just five minutes later when Johan Karlsson slotted home from close range and things looked ominous for the Saints.

However, the match took a drastic turn for the better in the second-half with a more attack minded St Pat's side putting real pressure on the hosts.

That pressure paid off in the 58th minutes when Lithuanian referee Paulius Malzinskas levelled the penalty count and awarded the Saints a spot-kick with Mark Quigley duly converted.

Elfsborg were rocked by that goal and there was better to come for the visitors when Ryan Guy scampered down the right wing before launching over a cross which Gary Dempsey headed home to give the Dublin a distinct advantage heading into the second leg.

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