Cork City ... 1 Shamrock Rovers ... 1Cork Cityhad to produce a last-minute equalising goal to deny Shamrock Rovers a vital win in the eircom League, Premier Division at Turner's Cross last night and leave both teams still disputing third place in the competition and a place in the UEFA Cup.

Rovers looked set to spoil Cork's proud record of never having lost at the ground in the current competition when Cork centre-back Dan Murray popped up with a face-saving equaliser to wipe out a lead goal early in the second half from Noel Hunt.

Rovers came closest to scoring after 30 minutes of a poor first half through centre-back Stephen McGuinness. Cork's defenders failed to cut out a free from Stephen Grant from the right wing and the ball fell outside the far upright at the feet of McGuinness. His shot beat goalkeeper Michael Devine but came back off an upright.

Rovers enjoyed more of the play and with James Keddy particularly effective from the left-back position they retained possession well. But their best work foundered on the solid defence of Declan Daly and Dan Murray at the heart of the Cork defence.

Cork were not at all as accurate in their passing but they showed more penetration in their breakaway attacks. John O'Flynn was given a torrid time by the powerful McGuinness and Terry Palmer.

Cork created more scoring chances. Twice Conor O'Grady wasted good opportunities but it needed a superb save from goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd to deny them in the 40th minute.

Rovers lived dangerously at times and they were under severe pressure from the opening whistle of the second half. McGuinness saved a certain goal when he dived to turn away a cross from O'Flynn that was intended for Woods in the 54th minute and Rovers struck back immediately to jump in front.

Robinson worked his way clear on the right wing for a cross which was controlled instantly by Hunt. He was surrounded by defenders just six yards from goal but his tight turn gave him the opportunity to shoot past Devine and the ball flew into the net off the butt of an upright in the 56th minute.

Cork had to battle with a will to try and salvage something from the game and they succeeded right at the death when it looked as if their proud unbeaten home record was about to be smashed. The game was in the 90th minute when Woods swung a corner into a crowded goalmouth and goalkeeper O'Dowd punched the ball clear to the edge of the penalty area.

Reynolds powered a left-foot shot that seemed headed for the net until O'Dowd again parried the ball and in the ensuing scramble Cork's Dan Murray succeeded in forcing the ball over the line for an equalising goal.

The draw left both teams on the same points total in third position and still disputing a place in the UEFA Cup next season. But Cork have a match in hand and they play that on Monday when they meet Longford Town at Flancare Park.

CORK CITY: Devine; O'Halloran, Daly (Bennett 69), Murray, Horgan; Warren (C. T. O'Brien 78), Reynolds, O'Grady (C. P. O'Brien 69), Woods; O'Callaghan, O'Flynn.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Gough, McGuinness, Palmer, Keddy; Robinson, Colwell, Tracey, S. Grant; Hunt (T. Grant 86), Molloy.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).