A Terryland Park thriller ended level as Galway United stunned St Patrick’s Athletic with a second half revival.

Pat’s bossed a poor first half and deservedly led at the break courtesy of an opportunistic Ryan Guy goal on 12 minutes.

After the break Pat’s missed several chances and they were punished in the 68th minute when Galway struck an equaliser.

Tom King crossed into the area and Philip Reilly supplied the final touch as the spoils were divided in the west.

The Saints, eager to remain in the title hunt, were honest and aggressive early on causing an understrength Galway plenty of bother.

Within seconds of the start Ian Bermingham had a left wing cross headed away as Galway were forced to defend deep.

Then in the fifth minute Galway defender Paul Sinnott made an excellent block to deny Vinny Faherty following a Dave McAllister cross.

But the visitors hit the front in the 12th minute when Ryan Guy concluded a splendid move with a cool finish after Stuart Byrne and Gareth O’Connor were heavily involved in the build up.

Though Galway toiled for the remainder of the first half Pat’s created the better opportunities and could have hit a second in the 36th minute.

Guy’s cute touch ensured Faherty had enough time to lash a right footed effort in the area, but the ball crept inches wide.

The third quarter was sprinkled with opportunities at either end as both side’s went close to grabbing a goal.

Stephen O’Donnell was thwarted by a splendid Shane Guthrie challenge, while Gary Rogers got down low to make a flying save from Philip Reilly.

Pat’s, though, were probing too as Faherty and McAllister both failed to hit the target during a burst of pressure.

Barry Ryan offered a couple of reminders of his ability twice thwarting Guy with excellent saves that kept Galway in the reckoning.

Ryan’s contribution gathered even more significance in the 68th minute when Galway got back on terms as Reilly struck the decisive touch following a Tom King cross.

Galway United: Ryan; Conneely, Sinnott, McKenzie (Pretson-Kelly, 36), Walsh; King, Reilly, O'Donnell, O'Brien; Molloy, Sheppard.

St Patrick's Athletic: Rogers; Pender, Kenna, Guthrie, Bermingham; McAllister, Byrne, O'Connor, Doyle (Cash, 78); Guy, Faherty (North, 78).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).