Cobh Ramblers missed a chance to book their Shield final berth ahead of next week's big FAI Cup clash with St Patrick's Athletic, when held to a scoreless draw at home by Galway United in the Southern Section on Saturday night.

Cobh had the better of the first half and Richie Fleming, Paul Coughlan and Tony Izzi wasted good opportunities.

Galway goalkeeper, Mark Colby, lucky to stay on the pitch following a trip outside the box on Izzi early in the game, produced excellent saves in each half, both from Izzi, to keep Galway in the match.

Cobh now need just a point from their remaining match to secure their final place, despite Bray Wanderers beating Limerick 4-1 at Hogan Park yesterday.

Kieran O'Brien helped himself to two goals with Robbie Coyle and Maurice Farrell also finding the target. Howie King scored Limerick's consolation goal from a 75th minute penalty.

Athlone Town regained the leadership in the Northern Section thanks to a 2-0 win at St Francis yesterday with goals in the first and last minute.

But, having completed their programme, they now must rely on results going their way if they're to stay top and reach the final.

Ray McLoughlin scored the first after just 56 seconds when driving home after Tom Silke's cross wasn't cleared by the St Francis defence.

A surging run and cross down the right by Stephen Lally created the second goal for Michael Collins to head home at the back post on 90 minutes.

Graham Doyle enhanced his growing reputation with a two goal performance to give Home Farm/Everton a 3-1 win over struggling Monaghan United at Whitehall in the Northern Section.

Midfielder Doyle added to Mark Gill's opening goal after 16 minutes when restoring Home Farm's lead with a spectacular 35yard drive after Ken Brien had equalised for Monaghan.

Doyle all but won the game, and give Home Farm an excellent chance of winning the group, with his second goal seven minutes into the second-half.