Winger Shane Robinson stole a precious point for European chasing Drogheda with a late, late leveller at United Park, ensuring a 1-1 draw.
Visiting St Pat's thought they had won it when sub Robbie Doyle put them ahead after 77 minutes - but Robinson's 91st minute strike was a cruel equaliser.
It looked like basement battling Pat's had actually stole victory when Doyle put them in front. But Drogheda just about deserved the draw as they turned up the heat late on and winger Robinson struck the leveller in stoppage time after a Barry Prenderville clanger.
It was a bright end to a dull game that never hinted at such a late flourish. In fact, United's best chance before that was after just 26 minutes when Declan O'Brien saw his low drive saved at the feet of the Pat's 'keeper.
Both sides remained locked in the middle third in a real war of attrition with Drogs just about edging the exchanges. Goals win games though and United just couldn't find one as Doyle and Michael Foley both went close for Pat's after the restart.
Johnny McDonnell's visitors eventually made the hosts pay too with Doyle coming good 13 minutes from time. Ian Maher got free down the right and his cross was easily stroked home at the back post by an unmarked Doyle.
It kicked Drogheda belatedly into gear and they responded by hitting the post through sub Mark Rooney after 87 minutes.
They finally hit the mark in the 91st minute when Robinson turned home a ball across goal at the back post, Pat's defender Prenderville failing badly to clear in the build-up.
