Shamrock Rovers, The New Saints held in Champions League qualifiers

Shamrock Rovers and The New Saints were both held to goalless draws as they began their Champions League campaigns earlier this evening.

Republic of Ireland outfit Shamrock failed to find a breakthrough against Lithuanian league leaders Ekranas in Dublin.

Shamrock midfielder Stephen O'Donnell had a gilt-edged one-on-one chance in the dying minutes of the game, but he was denied by a determined block from visiting goalkeeper Emilljus Zubas.

Meanwhile, Welsh side TNS dominated for large periods of their game with Swedish champions Helsingborgs in Oswestry. However, new signing Chris Jones striking the post was as close as either side came to breaking the deadlock.

Shamrock and TNS must now claim impressive results in their second-leg matches, which are scheduled for next Tuesday and Wednesday respectively, if they are to progress to the third qualifying round.