Struggling Athlone Town put their poor form behind them as they earned a replay against Finn Harps after this all-First Division third round FAI Cup clash finished 0-0 at Finn Park.
Athlone went into this game on the back of six straight league defeats, but they matched Harps – unbeaten in the last five - for much of the first half after a nervy start.
Indeed, Harps could have scored twice inside the opening three minute, but the agile Danny O'Leary made two fine saves to deny Darren Meenan and Matthew Crossan.
Harps then stepped up a gear in the second half and O'Leary was called upon again to parry away a thumping 25-yard drive from midfield dynamo Michael Funston in the 67th minute.
Padraig Moran could have snatched a late winner for Athlone but they must now meet again on Tuesday.
