Shamrock Rovers 1 Bohemians 1: As is so often the case, the occasion often overpowers the game itself. And so it proved as these two fierce Dublin rivals shaped up to each other in arguably the tie of the round, only to cancel each other in a contest that failed to ignite in perhaps the way supporters of both sides might have wished.

Rovers may well boast the proudest FAI Cup record in the land with 24 victories, but these days the club is a mere shadow of its former self. Nevertheless, manager Pat Scully wont fear Tuesday's replay at Dalymount Park. His young side, who of course now ply their trade in the first division, summoned a spirited second half performance to rock a visiting side that had dominated at their leisure until then.

Rovers' demotion last season has deprived supporters of this particular fixture. Bohemians players may well struggle to put Rovers names to faces this season but the up close manner in which the home side got about their rivals late on augurs well for a potential upset early next week. Still, Rovers didn't have it all their own way.

Perhaps it was the occasion that had them so wound up but the pace at which the hosts began could never be sustained. Although quick to breaking ball, and frighteningly so at times, Rovers subsequent distribution was more often than not sloppy. Players that had pushed forward in attack were left stranded as Bohemians in turn capitalised on stray ball.

The gulf in class between the sides was evident from the start. In contrast to Rovers' enthusiastic but erratic approach, Bohemians were assured in every department. Keen to probe the home defence from an early stage, the visitors were diligent in their approach, attempting to neatly work the ball forward from defence as much as possible.

Both Thomas Heary and John Paul Kelly had the measure of their opposite numbers in midfield, but it was the left flank that proved more profitable. Stephen Ward, who recently turned down a move to the Norwegian league, was in inspired form and grilled Rovers full back Ger O'Brien for the duration.

Time and again he sauntered unchallenged and his teasing crosses had Rovers reeling throughout a difficult opening spell. Not surprisingly, it was one of those crosses that gifted Bohemians their opener just seven minutes in. Heary's shot from distance was bravely blocked by Ian Ryan but the ball squirmed loose to Ward whose measured ball was headed home from close range by striker Mark Leech.

Despite that setback Rovers remained lively but the confidence the goal gave their opponents ensured the home side played deeper in their own half. Surges into Bohemians territory were restricted as a result although both Jamie Duffy and David Cassidy looked to probe when afforded space. Stephen Rice was not entirely at ease in the corner and Duffy enjoyed the tussle but still Gareth Farrelly's men comfortably dealt with what came their way.

While Ward proved a key figure for Bohemians, Paul Devlin was equally as effective. His clever runs left Aidan Price flummoxed on occasion and goalkeeper Barry Murphy had to be alert to gather one of the striker's efforts midway through the half. However, it was Devlin's work away from goal that served his side best but, for instance, having worked a neat one-two with Ward, the winger's shot was well saved by Murphy who raced off his line to smother.

Rovers, despite some misgivings, were never likely to surrender so quickly and, just five minutes into the second half, leveled the contest. Duffy's floated corner was met by Ray Kenny but Fergal Harkin handled the midfielder's header. No questioning the penalty and no questioning the finish; striker Tadhg Purcell striking high into Stephen O'Brien's net. "We'll never die, we'll never die" sang the home support thereafter.

Buoyed by the goal, Rovers relished their ensuing resurgence. Playing with a new found confidence, everything about their game was a mirror image of their first half offering. Menacing with ball at feet, not to mention firm in the challenge, Pat Scully's men had Bohemians chasing shadows for a spell. Ger Rowe, anonymous until then, upped his game considerably and Barry Ferguson needed to clear off the line after the striker had beaten both Rice and O'Brien with a cross-cum-shot.

The home side ploughed forward until the final whistle but promising build-ups were spoiled all too often with both Purcell and Rowe straying offside. Still, though, winger David Cassidy was gifted a glorious opportunity to win the game in the closing minutes but he skied his shot over with just O'Brien to beat after Rowe split the defence with a delicious ball from the right. All to play for then on Tuesday.

• In tonight's other Cup game Waterford United and Longford Town also have it all to do again as they too played out a1-1 draw.

Shamrock Rovers: Murphy; O'Brien, Ryan, Price, Clarke; Duffy, Kenny, Perth, Cassidy; Rowe, Purcell. Subs: Flood for Rowe (89). Booked: Clarke (79), Rowe (87)

Bohemians: O'Brien; Rice, Ferguson, Caffrey, Powell; Harkin, Kelly, Heary, Ward; Leech, Devlin. Subs: Farrelly for Harkin (57), Dunphy for Kelly (81). Booked: Devlin (34).

Referee: I Stokes (Dublin)