Longford Town - 0 St Patricks Athletic - 0: FAI Cup finalists St Patrick's Athletic had to settle for a share of the spoils in this low-key encounter at Flancare Park last night. Despite dominating possession in the early stages, Longford were almost caught on the break after 20 minutes. Colm Foley headed wide after getting on the end of Brenton Leister's pinpoint free-kick.

Former Longford player Paul Keegan had another chance for the visitors just three minutes later, but his finely struck shot was always creeping wide of Shay Kelly's goal.

Longford's best chance of the half arrived just two minutes later. Alan Kirby delivered a cross which Ian Wexler contrived to head wide when he seemed destined to put his side ahead.

Mark Quigley thought he had given St Patrick's the lead in the 37th minute. Shooting through a crowded goalmouth, his effort cannoned off the post before being cleared by the relieved home defence.

Longford created the first clear-cut chance after the interval. However, Ian Wexler's 58th-minute powerful strike was aimed straight at Brendan Clarke in the visitors' goal.

The home side were reduced to 10 men in the 66th minute. Dessie Baker was brandished with a second yellow card after a late, if somewhat innocuous, tackle on Anthony Murphy.

St Patrick's will have concern over Darragh Maguire's availability for their forthcoming FAI Cup final clash with Derry City. Maguire was sent off in the 80th minute and may well have to serve out his suspension on cup final day.

St Patrick's had two late chances to win the tie. Keith Fahey's long-range shot in the 88th minute was well saved by Kelly while, in stoppage time, Colm Foley headed over the bar.

LONGFORD TOWN: Kelly; Brennan, O'Connor, Paisley, Cronin; Gough (R Martin, 73 mins), Fitzgerald, Byrne, Kirby, Wexler; Baker.

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Clarke; S Quigley (Fahey 27 mins), C Foley, Maguire, Frost; Murphy, Leister (M Foley 57), Mulcahy, Rutherford; Keegan (Rooney 78), M Quigley.

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).