Dundalk and Rovers again fail to ignite

Shamrock Rovers 0 Dundalk 0: While Shamrock Rovers and Dundalk are still searching for their first win this season, it was the Lilywhites who went back the M1 last night from Tallaght Stadium carrying the regret of Pat Hoban missing a sitter to nick victory on the hour.

In a game full of bite but a paucity of quality and goalmouth action, the striker raced clear on the hour from Robbie Benson’s pass only to drag his shot beyond the far post when teammate Dylan Connolly was better placed to convert the cross.

Given the needle between the sides, which was ramped up by a war of words between the managers during the week, this was never going to be a classic but the lack of fluency must be a concern for both bosses.