St Patrick's Athletic 0 Finn Harps 0: Certainly not the result either side would have hoped for from this crucial relegation scrap.
Finn Harps player-manager Anthony Gorman said victory was a must if his side was to steer clear of the drop. But their unenviable position is now all the more perilous following Waterford's surprise win over Bohemians. Harps now seek miracles sitting as they do two points adrift at the bottom.
St Patrick's were looking for their first win since July and although the point does them no favours, they can at least travel to Dalymount on Monday hopeful of stunning a Bohemians side on the slide.
St Patrick's manager Johnny McDonnell was forced to reshape his defensive unit as injury and suspension deprived him of key players and consequently he threw caution to the wind by deploying just three men in front of goalkeeper Barry Ryan.
Although the extra man in midfield ensured his side enjoyed more possession, Finn Harps proved equal to the task in that area and spoiled many of the home side's more promising attacks.
The game centred around a midfield battle in which neither side was prepared to yield ground and consequently first-half chances of any real significance were few and far between. Martin Laughlan thumped an effort high over the bar just five minutes in and, soon after, he provided for Kevin McHugh who shot straight at Ryan.
Norwegian striker Glen Larsen had the St Patrick's supporters on their feet 20 minutes in but, perhaps sensing he had less time than he actually did, he weakly nodded his header into goalkeeper Gavin Cullen's hands.
Finn Harps frustrated their opponents throughout with strong challenges and tight marking. Whenever they did break forward they looked menacing although more often than not a final touch was lacking.
Late in the half, Robbie Doyle threatened but when he reached for Seán O'Connor's fizzing cross he found Jonathan Minnock nipping at his heels and the defender's timely intervention was sufficient to deny the St Patrick's striker a clear shot.
St Patrick's had the ball in the net after 58 minutes but Ian Maher's close-range effort was ruled offside.
Finn Harps retaliated and should have taken the lead 20 minutes from time but neither Conor Gethins or McHugh could apply a touch to Minnock's excellent cross.
Moments later, McHugh forced Ryan to tip his shot over the crossbar. The teams cancelled each other out for the remainder, concluding a frustrating night for both sides.
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Ryan; Prenderville, Caffrey, Brennan; Quigley, Foley, Reilly, Maher, O'Connor; Doyle, Larsen. Subs: Rowe for Larsen (66 mins), Donnelly for Reilly (76), Dunne for Quigley (82). Booked: Doyle (54).
FINN HARPS: Cullen; Asokuh, Boyle, Bradley, Minnock; Laughlan, Funston, Gorman, Gethins; McGrenaghan, McHugh.
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
