Shamrock Rovers missed out on the chance of moving into third place in the Premier Division after a dull scoreless draw with Galway United at Morton Stadium yesterday.
But the points gained by Galway could prove vital in their bid to stay in the top flight.
In the difficult windy conditions Rovers came closest to breaking the deadlock through Sean Francis early on an Francis.
After sprinting past central defender Kieran Foley, Francis was but he was denied by goalkeeper Eddie Hickey.
Galway striker Fergal Coleman then had a 20 yard shot pushed round the post by goalkeeper Robbie Horgan.
In an all-out bid for a winner, Rovers brought on substitutes Shane Robinson and Tony Cousins late in the second half but the Galway defence held firm. Galway might even have won but David Goldby fired just wide from 20 yards in the 88th minute.
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Horgan; Britton, Brazil, Palmer, Dunne; Tracey, Kenny, Colwell, Woods; Lawlor, Francis. Subs: Robinson for Colwell (78 mins); Cousins for Francis (84 mins).
GALWAY UNITED: Hickey; Neary, O'Connor, Foley, Morgan; Malee, Clery, Dolan, Ogden; Coleman, Keogh. Subs: Gorman for Ogden (45 mins); Goldby for Malee (70 mins); Keane for Dolan (82 mins).Referee: Aidan O'Regan (Cork).
