Championship-chasing Bohemians had to settle for a share of the spoils against struggling Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Although Bohemians enjoyed overwhelming possession throughout an entertaining encounter, they failed to break down a resolute Sligo defence in which newcomer Tommy Byrne and 19-year-old Ian Rossiter were outstanding.

Sligo made six changes to the side trounced by Galway the previous week and included seven local youngsters in their starting line-up. Nicky Broujos came to Sligo's rescue with a splendid save to deny the hardworking Kevin Hunt in the 17th minute, while at the other end, Bohemians were lucky to escape when another of Sligo's new recruits, Davy Williamson, appeared to be tumbled over in the area by Robert Brunton.

Bohemians stepped up the pace in the second-half and had Sligo under severe pressure throughout. However, the nearest they came to breaking the deadlock was in the 75th minute when Tony O'Connor unleashed a blistering shot from 15 yards only to see Broujos produce another outstanding save.

SLIGO ROVERS: Broujos, Kennedy, McLynn, Byrne, Marshall, Rossiter, Williamson, Gilroy, Flannery, O'Grady, Moran. Subs: Shannon for Moran (3 mins), K Lynch for Gilroy (68 mins), Oates for Shannon (73 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey, T O'Connor, Brunton, Hunt, Maher, Mullen, Byrne, Vaudequin, Swan, Harris, John. Subs: G O'Connor for Brunton (68 mins), Crowe for Harris (72 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).