Soccer Digest

Scottish Premier outfit St Johnstone succumbed to two goals in the last quarter at Richmond Park on Saturday, as St Patrick's gave themselves the perfect boost prior to their crucial Champions League qualifier on Wednesday.

Centre half Colin Hawkins put them in front after 77 minutes with a powerful header and then with four minutes remaining, Trevor Molloy, the league's top striker, converted from the penalty spot after Darren Dods had handled in the penalty area.

An own goal by Martin Schneider earned Irish League side Newry Town a superb victory over Bundesliga opponents MSV Duisburg but it was not enough to secure their passage through to the third round of the InterToto Cup.

Newry trailed 2-0 from the first leg in Germany.

Drogheda United got their season off to a winning start when they defeated Dundalk on penalties (4-2) after the sides finished 0-0 at Oriel Park yesterday to take the James Malone Memorial Cup.

Brian Kerr's Republic of Ireland under-18 team were given a useful workout in an entertaining game against Bohemians at the AUL Complex last night.

The under-18s took the lead in the 56th minute when Gary Doherty headed home a Richie Baker cross.

Bohemians secured victory with two late goals by Gareth Arkins and Paul Lynch.

West Ham midfielder Shaun Byrne pulled out of the Irish squad for next week's European championships due to a knee injury.

He is replaced on the panel by Conor O'Grady of Sligo Rovers who joined up with the travelling party on Saturday and played in last night's 2-1 defeat.