Shamrock Rovers 1 Partisan Belgrade 1:Shamrock Rovers showed they aren't ready to bow out of Europe just yet with a gutsy fightback against Partisan Belgrade at Tallaght Stadium which culminated in a classy 80th minute equaliser from Gary McCabe.

Nemanja Tomic gave the visitors the lead when sweeping home an 11th minute volley from Vladimir Jovancic’s cross.

However, with a spot in the Europa League group stages at stake, Rovers recovered from their slow start and were unlucky not to win in the end after Gary Twigg lifted a shot over the bar and Ivan Ivanov produced a timely header to prevent the Scot latching on to a long throw minute from time.

Twigg played his part in the equaliser brilliantly seven minutes earlier, when he stayed strong and received the ball to feet from McCabe on the edge of the box before returning it to the onrushing midfielder.

McCabe took a sublime touch inside the box, nutmegged the defender and toe-poked his finish past Vladimir Stojkovic.

“Second half we were excellent,” said manager Michael O’Neill afterwards, “first 15 to 20 minutes we looked frightened of them and gave them too much respect.

“Second half we went more direct.

Of the second leg next week, in which his side will need to score, he added: “The tie’s still alive, it will be very tough out in Belgrade but we know a bit more about them now.

“As long as the game stays at 0-0- they’ll get a little edgier and if we get that chance we’ll have to take it.”