Finn Harps 1 Shamrock Rovers 1: SHAMROCK ROVERS had to cling on for a point against Finn Harps in a game that only came to life in the second half at Finn Park.

Finn Harps went into the game seeking their first win in eight league outings, but encouraged by a point picked up in a 2-2 draw away to Galway in their last outing while Rovers were also in search of a morale booster having picked up only two points in their last six matches.

But once again Finn Harps' boss Paul Hegarty was forced to make changes due to injuries. Gavin Cullen started in goal - regular net minder James Gallagher was ruled out through a hip injury - and was hoping it would be a case of fourth time lucky this season having been on the end of three 3-0 defeats in his previous outings to date.

The opening quarter was a lifeless affair - with real fears among the smallest crowd of the season that they were in for a no-score bore. Rovers went closest before the interval when Padraig Almond burst through on goal with only Cullen to beat but the keeper got a great touch to divert the ball out for a corner.

Rovers went ahead two minutes after the break when Almond outfoxed Stuart Malcolm and Declan Boyle before planting the ball under Cullen.

However, Finn Harps responded on the hour with Tony Shields and Stephen Parkhouse involved before Conor Gethins drilled home the equaliser from inside the box.

Lifted by the goal and spurred on by the home crowd, Finn Harps went in search of a winner and forced a series of corners as Rovers had to survive some fierce pressure.

FINN HARPS: Cullen, Roddy, Holmes, Boyle, Malcolm, Shields, Breen, McGowan, Parkhouse, Gethins, Williams. Subs: Brolly for Breen (64 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy, OBrien, Treacy, Price, Ferguson, Maguire, McGill, Rice, Purcell, Amond, Tyrell. Subs: OConnor for Price (58 mins), Murphy for Purcell (62 mins), Doyle for Tyrell (66 mins).

Referee: Damien Hancock (Dublin)