Drogheda United 0 Shamrock Rovers 0Drogheda's failure to capitalise in front of goal cost them two points at United Park last night. The home side produced a number of chances but Rovers managed to thwart them and go back to Dublin with a valuable point.

Rovers were quick to settle and both Marc Kenny and Tony Sheridan saw shots just missing the target.

With 12 minutes gone, United won a free on the right side of the visitors' box which Jermaine Sandvliet knocked square to Steven Gray whose drive was turned to safety by goalkeeper Barry Murphy.

Drogheda were well on top by the time Declan O'Brien struck a shot over the crossbar from close range on 20 minutes.

The closing stages of the half saw the home's side dominance continue as they created a series of chances but failed to find the net.

Drogheda continued to dominate in the second half and Sandvliet was unlucky to see his shot go over the top.

Sandvliet had another chance to break the deadlock on the hour mark when he shot straight at Murphy from the edge of the box.

Rovers almost scored against the run of play when goalkeeper Dan Connor did well to keep out a Trevor Molloy effort.

With 77 minutes gone a Keith Fahey's cross from the right found Mark Leech who could only cushion the ball on the volley into Murphy's arms.

The closing stages produced little in the way of goal chances as Drogheda's effort petered out.

DROGHEDA: Connor, Lynch, Gartland, Bernard, Gray, Gavin, Robinson, Whelan, O'Brien, Malcolm, Sandvliet. Subs: Fahey for Bernard (half-time), Leech for Malcolm (64 mins), Ristila for Robinson (75 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy, Shelley, Rutherford, McDonagh, McDonnell, Foley, Quigley, Molloy, Roche, Kenny, Sheridan. Subs: Bernard for Quigley (58 mins), Tracey for Kenny (75 mins), Manley for Sheridan (75 mins).

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).