JASON BYRNE'S 178^th goal of his league career ensured Dundalk a share of the spoils against Shamrock Rovers in a pulsating encounter at Oriel Park.

The veteran hit-man's 36^th minute penalty cancelled out Karl Sheppard's third goal in as many games to leave the sides deadlocked in what was a dress rehearsal for Saturday week's Setanta Sports Cup final.

Rovers took the lead after 16 minutes. Enda Stevens was given time to pick a pass from inside his own half, setting Sheppard free on the inside left channel. The through ball cut the Dundalk back four wide open and, with no defender anywhere in sight, the in-form striker cooly finished past Peter Cherrie for his 6^th goal of the season.

Dundalk levelled when Byrne sent Mannus the wrong way from the spot for the second-time time this season after Stephen Rice had fouled Mark Quigley. The goal moved Byrne level alongside Turlough O'Connor in third place on the list of all time League of Ireland scorers.

Dundalk started the second-half on the front foot with Hector going close with two chances in quick succession. The first arrived via a Gaynor corner in the 55^th minute, Mannus making a brave stop to deflect the defender's point blank header over the bar.

The on-loan Reading player then almost rounded off a fine move seconds later. Keith Ward sent Byrne free on the right but Hector just couldn't get a touch on the striker's vicious ball across the face of goal.

Rovers came back into things as play became stretched. Gary O'Neill squandered a good opportunity when he blazed over with a half volley just shy of the hour mark before Ronan Finn did likewise minutes later.

The champions had a penalty appeal waved away in the 72^nd minute when Sheppard saw an overhead kick deflected over the bar and they were up in arms again with two minutes to go when Sheppard went down under a clumsy Ross Gaynor tackle. Referee Tomney waved play on, sparking outrage on the Rovers bench and leading to Michael O'Neill being sent to the stands.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Hawkins, Hector, N Murphy; Kearns, McDonnell, Ward, Gaynor; Byrne, Quigley.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mannus; Sullivan, Murray, Oman, Stevens; McCabe (Kavanagh 66), Rice, Finn, Dennehy (Kelly 81); O'Neill (Kilduff 73), Sheppard.

REFEREE: Derek Tomney (Dublin).