UCD 0 Shamrock Rovers 0:Newly promoted Shamrock Rovers had to be satisfied with a point on their return to the Premier Division after a tense scoreless draw with UCD at Belfield Park last night.

There was little for the near-capacity 3,500 crowd to enthuse about in the bitterly cold conditions although it was the Hoops who came closest to breaking the deadlock on 23 minutes.

A misdirected back bass by College defender Alan Mahon almost let in striker Ger Rowe. But Irish Under-21 international goalkeeper Darren Quigley was quickly off the line to make a vital block with his foot.

Rovers were desperately unlucky not to take the lead on 37 minutes when Dave O'Connor beat Mahon on the left to set up a chance for Rowe.

His powerful shot from 18 yards struck the crossbar with Quigley beaten. Stephen Maher then fired home the rebound but referee Hugo Whorisky had already blown for offside against Rowe.

College threatened just before the interval when Paul Byrne had an effort blocked for a corner after the persistence of Conor Sammon had created the opening.

The home side then suffered a setback when inspirational skipper Tony McDonnell had to be substituted on the stroke of half-time because of a hamsting injury.

In a game of few chances with defences always on top, Mahon was just narrowly wide of the target for UCD on 69 minutes with a curling free from 25 yards inches past the upright.

Only the excellence of Rovers goalkeeper Barry Murphy prevented the Students taking the lead on 76 minutes.

A corner by Conan Byrne on the left allowed Paul Byrne to get in a header pushed onto the bar by Murphy and eventually scrambled clear by the Rovers defence.

UCD: Quigley; Mahon, McNally, McDonnell (K. Gallagher 44), Kenna; C.Byrne, McFaul, Finn, Doyle (King 87); Sammon, P. Byrne (Purcell 78).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Pender (Ryan 83), Ferguson, Price, Clarke; Maher ( R.Gallagher 64), Cassidy, Danny O'Connor, David O'Connor; Myler (Colbert 80), Rowe.

Referee: Hugo Whorisky (Meath).