John Lester drilled a delightful 70th minute equaliser as Galway United grabbed a deserved share of the spoils against league leaders Drogheda United at Terryland Park.
Several opportunities were created before Guy Bates steered Drogheda into a 64th minute lead. But Galway summoned an inevitably rally with Lester blasting home an immaculate 30 yard free-kick.
In a furious finale Stephen O'Flynn and substitute Vinny Faherty nearly bagged a second, but the Drogs survived.
Any team that can stitch lengthy sequence of victories together always possesses a significant chance of delivering a league title.
Throughout the season Drogheda have proven themselves adept at managing these enterprising bursts, but the Boynesiders nursed a few doubts upon their arrival in the west.
Amazingly the table toppers had only managed to pocket two points out of a possible nine since comprehensively defeating St Patrick's Athletic on August 10.
The early signs suggested that both teams were intent on delivering attacking football as several opportunities were carved at either end of the pitch.
Graham Gartland spurned a 4th minute chance following a cute Shane Robinson cross, but an enthusiastic Galway went close themselves moments later.
Alan Murphy's deft free kick found the forehead of John Fitzgerald, and the stand in skipper made a sweet connection, but Dan Connor managed to claw the ball away to safety.
Drogheda's midfield industry was commendable and the prominent Robinson came within a whisker of netting the opener in the 31st minute.
Simon Webb slung in a splendid cross and Robinson ghosted into a menacing position to provide the header, but the ball cannoned off the crossbar.
Guy Bates examined Gary Rogers' reflexes, while a dynamic Derek O'Brien run nearly concluded with a gorgeous goal as the play veered frenetically.
When referee Anthony Buttimer blasted the half time whistle the audience was baffled that neither had managed to rattle the net.
It was a different story after the break when the deadlock was finally broken and both teams put on a display of football that was full value for the entry price.
Galway United: Rogers; Nootimer, Fitzgerald, Lester, Keane; Cooke (Russell, 70), O'Halloran, Murphy, O’Brien; O’Flynn, Glynn (Faherty, 61).
Drogheda United: Connor; Shelley, Gartland, Gavin, Webb; Baker, Byrne (Keegan, 62), Robinson, Cahill; Bates (O'Keefe, 74, Grant, 86), Zayed.
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
