Monaghan United and Cobh Ramblers preserved their recent eircom League First Division unbeaten records with a dull 0-0 draw that provided little entertainment for the meagre Century Homes Park crowd.
Monaghan displayed early attacking intent, and David Lee had the ball in the net after only two minutes but was adjudged offside.
But the game declined into a dour contest pock-marked by fouls that would have resulted in a plethora of yellow cards had ref Stephen Toner not shown admirable restraint.
United almost snatched the lead just before the interval when Robbie Farrell’s flying header was kept out by a fine Packie Holden save.
Cobh came close when Graham Wilshaw’s clever free-kick saw Gareth Cambridge flick his shot inches past the post.
A much needed moment of thrilling action arrived in the 62nd minute when Holden produced a wonderful one-handed stop of Farrell’s close-range header.
But the game deteriorated rather than improved after that, with more bookings than productive play.
Cobh’s best chance arrived with just six minutes remaining.
David O’Neill broke through on goal but was foiled by a great rescue tackle from United full-back Brian Gannon.
United threatened an added time winner when Michael Kerr drove goalwards from Farrell’s lay-off but the shot flew a foot wide.
Monaghan United: Murphy, Gannon, McGauley, Burke, Kerr; Smith, McGeown, McCann, Cronin; Farrell, Lee (Fullam 80).
Cobh Ramblers: Holden; Carey, Murray, Coleman, Wilshaw (Meegan 74); O’Neill, Murphy, Yelverton, Mulconry; Cummins, Cambridge (Rocket 88).
Referee: S Toner (Donegal).
