Dundalk FC 0-0 Shamrock Rovers

Match Report

Dundalk’s unbeaten start to the season continued as they played out a thrilling 0-0 draw with Shamrock Rovers at Oriel Park.

It was a scrappy opening to an extent with neither side stamping their authority on the game however the Lilywhites came close to taking the lead when Lewis Macari’s cross was dropped by goalkeeper Leon Pohls which fell to Robbie Benson but his volley was inches wide of the right-hand post.

Dan Williams forced Pohls into a routine save while at the other end former Dundalk midfielder Richie Towell forced a superb fingertip save from Nathan Shepperd after he got in behind.

Dundalk were unlucky not to open to scoring just after the half-hour mark from successive Benson corners. The first was a Hoban header which was palmed away to safety by Pohls with the second even closer after Mark Connolly rose highest but his header was miraculously cleared off the line by Graham Burke.

Rovers had a couple of half-chances of their own to round off the opening period but both sides went in all square at the break.

Half-time: Dundalk FC 0-0 Shamrock Rovers

Dan Williams opened the second half with a shot just over the bar while Shepperd produced a smart save with his feet to deny Danny Mandroiu who was through on goal.

Towell found himself in behind again but smashed against the crossbar with the goal at his mercy.

Shepperd produced a stunning save then to deny Aaron Greene’s goalbound header as he somehow managed to get across to his right and claw the ball away with the ball destined for the corner.

His opposite number Pohls had a moment of brilliance of his own seconds after when Hoban’s thundering header was pushed away.

Rovers had a lot of the ball but didn’t create much than a couple of efforts from distance through Mandroiu and then Sean Hoare but neither was a threat.

Dundalk did have the chance to win it in the final seconds when Greg Sloggett raided down the right and his clever pull-back found Hoban however he blasted over from 10 yards.

Full-time: Dundalk FC 0-0 Shamrock Rovers

DUNDALK FC: Nathan Shepperd; Lewis Macari, Mark Connolly, Andy Boyle, Sam Bone; Greg Sloggett, Dan Williams (David McMillan 88), Robbie Benson; John Martin, Patrick Hoban, Joe Adams (Keith Ward 75). Subs not used: Peter Cherrie (GK), Paul Doyle, Mayowa Animasahun, Mark Hanratty, Ryan O’Kane, Brian Gartland, Senan Mullen.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Leon Pohls; Sean Hoare, Lee Grace, Roberto Lopes; Barry Cotter (Rory Gaffney 75), Danny Mandroiu (Aidomo Emakhu 89), Gary O’Neill, Richie Towell, Andy Lyons; Jack Byrne (Aaron Greene 68); Graham Burke (Neil Farrugia 75). Subs not used: Tom Leitis (GK), Dylan Watts, Sean Kavanagh, Chris McCann.

REFEREE: Damien MacGraith. ATTENDANCE: 3,546.