A 90th minute own goal by Paddy Kavanagh earned St. Patrick’s Athletic a replay at Richmond Park on Tuesday night to decide who will meet Sligo Rovers in the FAI Ford Cup final at the Aviva Stadium on November 14th.

Winger Kavanagh inexplicably headed a Brian Cash corner into his own net, but it was no more than St. Patrick’s deserved as they twice came from behind.

Gary Twigg looked to be going to prove Rovers’ talisman once again when he headed home a stunning cross from Stephen Rice on 64 minutes to put Rovers 2-1 up with his 24th goal of the season.

Rovers had taken the lead on 15 minutes when Chris Turner was left unmarked to loop a header past Gary Rogers from Billy Dennehy’s free-kick.

St. Pat’s finally came alive to score with their first real opening of the game on the half hour. Danny North availed of a slip by Enda Stevens out on the right to cross for David McAllister to sweep home.

Both keepers excelled in a match that was riveting if far from a thrilling cup tie.

Rovers' keeper, Alan Mannus, made terrific saves from McAllister headers in each half.

Not to be outdone, Gary Rogers tipped a Stephen Bradley free-kick onto the bar just before half-time while also making a crucial stop to deprive Dennehy on 85 minutes.

Shamrock Rovers: Mannus; Rice, Flynn, Price, Stevens; Chambers (Kavanagh, 24 mins.), Bradley, Turner, Kavanagh; Twigg (Bayly, 83 mins.), Stewart (Baker, 61 mins.).

St. Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Pender, Kenna, Haverty (Stewart, 79 mins.), Bermingham; McAllister, Byrne, Mulcahy, Doyle (Cash, 68 mins.); Guy, North (Faherty, 90+2 mins.).

Referee: Tom Connolly (Dublin).