On a weekend when the clocks went back, Ryan Harpur struck in the nick of time for Dungannon Swifts.
His late, late header secured a vital point against fellow strugglers Lisburn Distillery – minutes after the Whites seemed to have snatched victory.
But the equaliser was as controversial as it was crucial, with the referee blowing for a penalty before the ball crossed the line – only to backtrack and award the goal.
The bizarre decision sparked furious scenes at the final whistle as angry Distillery players and staff surrounded the officials in protest.
It denied the Whites a critical three points, with Scott Davidson’s 88th minute strike proving insufficient to claim victory for the league’s basement side.
Ultimately the referee will be the big talking point. In truth there was little else to note in a hugely disappointing tussle.
Apart from Harpur’s contentious equaliser, there was a debatable Distillery penalty which was given and missed by Michael Halliday and – more pertinently – another which wasn’t awarded.
All the controversy aside, however, this was a match to forget.
Distillery will undoubtedly be the more disappointed with the result, and not just the manner of conceding in the final few seconds.
They had the majority of chances, with Dungannon goalkeeper Niall Morgan making several important saves to keep them in the game.
Adding to the visitors’ woes was the fact that the two points snatched away in stoppage time meant they dropped to the foot of the table.
By contrast, this was an important result for Dungannon at the end of a tumultuous week which saw Rodney McAree resign as head coach.
Darren Murphy’s first selection in sole charge brought four changes, including a return for left-back Cameron Grieve after nearly two months out injured.
The best opportunity of a dismal first half came in the 26th minute when Distillery were twice thwarted by the crossbar. 
Good approach play between Gary Liggett and Jordan Forsythe created a chance for Davidson, however, his shot hit the bar and fell short of the line. Halliday picked up the loose ball but his header also came back off the woodwork.
Dungannon went close through Stephen O’Neill’s early header and Terry Fitzpatrick’s strike.
But their best chance came just before the break when O’Neill got his foot to another Fitzpatrick effort, however, the ‘keeper made a crucial block.
A frustrating opening 45 minutes improved little after half-time..
Distillery offered most of the limited attacking threat with Jordan Hughes drawing a save from Morgan while Liggett’s strike was deflected over.
Then the referee took centre stage with two crucial penalty calls – beginning with one which wasn’t given.
Hughes was taken down by the ‘keeper but his appeals were rejected – much to the anger of Whites boss Tim McCann on the touchline.
Minutes later, however, the referee did point to the spot when Fra Brennan was harshly penalised for hand ball.
Morgan came to Swifts’ rescue, however, brilliantly turning away Halliday’s spot kick before charging out to deny Davidson on the follow-up.
He then produced another impressive save to tip Johnny Harkness’s free-kick wide.
Fitzpatrick went close with a chipped effort after spotting the ‘keeper off his line, while at the other end Liggett’s low strike went just wide of the back post.
It seemed the Whites had snatched victory when Davidson scored, firing home on the half volley after David McCullough’s pass was turned into his path.
But Dungannon have a habit of scoring late goals this season – and did it again in the 93rdminute.
Fitzpatrick crossed to the back post towards Harpur, who was being held by Davidson. The foul was penalised – and then ignored – as the ball found the net.
DGN SWIFTS: Morgan, R O’Neill (Brennan, 45), Montgomery, McMinn, Grieve, Harpur, Topley (C Lavery, 75), S Lavery, Fitzpatrick, S O’Neill, Gawley (PJ Lavery, 64)
Subs not used: S Friars, Cahoon
LISBURN DISTILLERY: Brennan, Harkness, Simpson, McCullough, Davidson, McCann, Liggett, Halliday, Ferguson, Hughes (Beggs, 72), Forsythe
Subs not used: Windrum, Hunter, Hall, Koypt
Referee: Mervyn Smyth (Belfast)
