Wins were hard to come by on the opening night in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.

Pat Hoban’s debut goal for Derry City saw them beat Drogheda United 2-1, with Brian Maher also saving a Drogs penalty from Ryan Brennan.

Jamie Lennon’s early strike gave St. Pat’s a 1-nil win away to Galway, for whom Stephen Walsh was sent-off.

Points were shard elsewhere, including at Tallaght Stadium where Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk played out a 1-1 draw.

Sean Boyd levelled for Shelbourne away to Waterford, and was later sent-off in a 1-1 draw.

Also, James Clarke header deep into injury time saw Bohemians salvage a 2-2 draw with Sligo Rovers at Dalymount.