Drogheda record impressive UEFA Cup draw 

Drogheda were denied a debut win in the UEFA Cup by a late equaliser from HJK Helsinki in a 1-1 draw in the first qualifying round first leg.

The eircom League Premier Division side had taken the lead and were on course for a win in Finland until the home side equalised in the late stages.

Shane Robinson put the visitors ahead but an 83rd-minute goal from HJK defender Markus Halsti saved the home side's blushes after they had earlier missed a penalty.

HJK, despite having the experience of a number of European matches, started the tie nervously and had difficulty stringing passes together on the newly-laid artificial turf.

The home side resorted to putting high balls into the box which the visitors coped with admirably.

Robinson struck for Drogheda at the end of the first half, making the most of his chance after defender Veli Lampi lost possession near the corner flag.

The home side fought back in the second half and were awarded a penalty in the 74th minute when striker Farid Ghazia was obstructed when trying to get to a cross.

But goalkeeper Daniel Connor proved up to the task as he saved Algerian Ghazia's penalty.

However, with seven minutes to go HJK were rewarded for their pressure when Halsti pounced on a low corner from striker Sebastian Sorsa to score the equaliser.

That goal could prove valuable for the Finnish side when they visit Dalymount Park on July 27 for the second leg.