National League: Shamrock Rovers missed the opportunity to close the gap on leaders Shelbourne with this scrappy draw in Flancare Park on Saturday.

Longford are still searching for their first home win, and manager Alan Matthews will be concerned about the lack of goals in Flancare Park.

Rovers started promisingly. Stephen Grant went close in the eighth minute. But this stop-start encounter didn't come to life until the latter stages of the opening half.

Substitute Tony Grant saw his 40th-minute effort blocked by Barry Ferguson, while in first-half injury time Liam Kelly headed wide of a gaping goal.

Eric Lavine had Longford's sole first-half scoring chance.

After the break, Kelly was denied again, this time by a post in the 58th minute.

Terry Palmer did find the net for Rovers in the 61st minute, but the effort was ruled out after referee Anthony Buttimer deemed Palmer had fouled a Longford defender.

The best chance of the game, however, fell to the home side in the 65th minute. Goalkeeper Barry Ryan had to be at his best to prevent a goalbound Lavine header.

Longford were the stronger side in the closing stages.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Dillon, John, McGovern, Ferguson, Byrne, Kirby, Sheridan, Lavine, Francis, Keogh. Subs: Perth for Keogh (63 min); Barrett for Francis (74 min).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Ryan, Gough, Keddy, Colwell, Palmer, Byrne, Robinson, Molloy, Kelly, Reynolds, S Grant. Subs: T Grant for Molloy (25 min); Lacey for Kelly (76 min).

Referee: A Buttimer (Cork)