The Swedes had dumped out Scottish side Hibernian 4-0 on aggregate in the Intertoto Cup last month, before beating FK Riga to reach the second qualifying round of the UEFA Cup.

They looked set to brush aside Thursday night's opponents from the eircom League when they established a two-goal lead inside the opening half hour, but St Pat's refused to accept defeat and goals in the second half from Mark Quigley and Gary Dempsey secured a share of the spoils for the visitors.

Midfielder Stefan Ishizaki, who has been capped by Sweden, fired home a penalty in the 24th minute to give the hosts the lead, and they stretched their advantage five minutes later with a close-range effort from veteran defender Johan Karlsson.

But a penalty of their own, converted by striker Quigley, gave St Pat's hope, and they had more to celebrate eight minutes from time when Dempsey headed home an equaliser.

With two away goals, John McDonnell's side are now in a strong position ahead of the second leg in two weeks' time at Richmond Park.