Longford Town 1 Shamrock Rovers 1: Shamrock Rovers picked up a vital point in their quest to remain in the Premier Division following this lacklustre draw with Longford Town on Saturday night.

A very small crowd attended Flancare Park for the fixture. Longford will play in the Cup final next weekend while Rovers are struggling both on and off the field.

However the visitors were in flying form early on in this game and went in front after just two minutes when David Mooney capitalised on Longford goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien's indecision to shoot the Dubliners in front.

Longford had plenty of chances to draw level. Alan Kirby, Eric Lavine and Dessie Baker all brought saves out of Rovers goalkeeper Noel Mooney. Shane Barrett did find the net but the effort was ruled out for offside.

Referee Paul McKeon dismissed Rovers' Trevor Molloy 12 minutes before half time and Longford were totally dominant as a result.

They got a deserved equaliser in the 48th minute when Baker's corner was headed home by Sean Dillon.

However, the tempo of the game slowed thereafter and the only incident of note in the remaining 42 minutes came nine minutes from time when McKeon brandished red for the second time, this time sending off Longford defender Alan Murphy for a reckless challenge on Stephen Grant.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Prunty, Perth, Dillon, Gartland, Kirby, Fitzgerald, Lavine, Baker, Barrett. Subs: Keegan for Lavine (62 mins); Martin for Perth (76 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: N Mooney, Gough, Malone, Doyle, Palmer, Treacy, Robinson, O'Brien, D Mooney, Molloy, Rutherford. Subs: Grant for D Mooney (72 mins); McGuinness for Malone (79 mins); Caffrey for Grant (81 mins).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).

Tonight's Fixtures

Premier Division: Waterford v Bohemians (7.30); St Patrick's Athletic v Drogheda Utd (7.45).