Finn Harps extended their unbeaten run to five games as Ollie Horgan’s men secured a point against Shelbourne at Tolka Park.
Shelbourne 0 Finn Harps 0
Harps, who were missing the injured captain Ciaran Coll, lost vice captain and fellow defender Keith Cowan to a hamstring injury in the first half; something that will be of concern to Horgan given the dearth of defensive options in his ranks.
Harps, who had won on their last four outings, might have won it at the end, but Michael O’Connor’s shot was too high to trouble Dean Delaney.
Harps are five points behind leaders UCD with a game in hand.
O’Connor, Sam Todd and Paddy McCourt were included from the off by Horgan.
It was Shels who began the brighter with David O’Sullivan and James English off target.
The loss of Cowan came as a blow but his replacement, Niall McGinley – who made his first start in Monday’s win over Galway – almost scored a stunning opener, but his effort from way out flew narrowly over the top.
Alan Evans and Mark Hughes had openings for Shels at the start of the sexing half and English had another go, but couldn’t trouble Ciaran Gallagher.
Shels are looking the more likely, but Harps held on and might well have sneaked it, but O’Connor was just unable to hit the target.
Shelbourne: Dean Delaney, James Browne, Lorcan Fitzgerald, Dave Mulcahy, Derek Prendergast, Alan Byrne, Mark Hughes, Cian Kavanagh (Dayle Rooney 72), James English, Alan Evans, David O’Sullivan.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, Tommy McBride Lee Toland, Sam Todd, Keith Cowan (Niall McGinley 32), Jesse Devers (Mark Hannon 90), Paddy McCourt, Mark Coyle, Michael O’Connor, Ciaran O’Connor, John O’Flynn (BJ Banda 58).
Referee: Adriano Reale.
