Newly-promoted Drogheda United are still searching for their first Premier League win of the season after a late goal deprived them of three points at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

A splendid 22nd-minute goal by impressive teenage striker Mark Byrne looked as if it would be sufficient to clinch victory for Drogheda. But Sligo, who were outplayed for most of the game, put in a storming finish and salvaged a point when Glen Shannon headed home from Ian Rossiter's corner kick in the 86th minute.

With Mark Revins lending solid support to young Byrne in attack, Drogheda made most of the running and might well have added to their lead goal but for some fine goalkeeping by Matt Boswell.

The introduction of Summerhill College student Keith Kilroy injected badly needed pace to Sligo's attacking play after the interval as they were rewarded with Shannon's late equaliser.

Sligo Rovers: Boswell, Rossiter, Bonner, Birks, Charles, Marshall, McInally, El Khaliffi, Shannon, O'Grady, Moran. Subs: Gilroy for O'Grady (half-time), Callaghan for El Khaliffi (59 mins), Oates for Marshall (73 mins).

Drogheda United: G Byrne, A Murphy, M Byrne, Impey, Maher, Fitzell, Butler, C Murphy, Revins, O'Dowd, Thornton. Subs: Coleman for Butler (53 mins), Roche for M Byrne (75 mins), Shevlin for Fitzell (75 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).

Determination to end their 40-year title famine has spurred Glenavon to the top of the Irish League Premier Division table.

They have not won the championship since 1960 but underline their credentials at Mourneview Park by assuming outright leadership.