ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC were defeated 2-1 by Kazakh side FC Shakhter Karagandy in the first leg of their Europa League qualifier, as Dave McMillan got the all-important away goal for the visitors.
After a goalless first half Karagandy took the lead when defender Nikola Vasiljevic scored from a corner early in the second period.
Pete Mahon then rung the changes, with McMillan and Ian Daly coming in for Anto Murphy and Paul Crowley.
The decision paid dividends, as Pat’s drew level with a goal courtesy of McMillan around the 80-minute mark.
McMillan then wasted another opportunity, before Vasiljevic scored his second in the dying minutes of the game, handing his side the advantage going into the second leg.
St Pat’s, who currently lie third in the Airtricity League, will host the second leg of the encounter on Thursday, 21 July at Richmond Park.
