St. Patrick's Athletic continued their great start to the new season by taking a point off eircom League favourites Shelbourne at Richmond Park. But they left a two goals lead slip.

Colin Hawkins was the Shels hero as his last gasp goal completed a dramatic comeback against unbeaten St Pats in the eircom League, Premier Division, at Richmond Park.

John McDonnell's men continued their unbeaten start to the season and enjoyed a two goals lead but Shels showed great spirit to fight back and grab a point. They still lost ground on Cork and Derry City who both won.

The Saints raced into a two goals lead through two former Reds, Mark Rutherford and Trevor Molloy, who scored inside the opening 17 minutes.

Shelbourne responded with Jason Byrne's effort in the 56th minute, but the game was to take a further twist a minute later when both teams had players sent off.

Owen Heary and Paul Keegan received their marching orders after a poor tackle by Heary on John Frost caused a 20 man melee.

But there was further drama to follow as Hawkins made it three draws from three for Shels, heading home from Ollie Cahill's cross.

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