Dundalk and Magpies players played out a scoreless draw in the scorching heat.
In a hot evening, registering nearly 33 degrees, both sets of players should be commended for giving a performance in those conditions, but on the pitch Magpies will be cursing their missed chances.
In front of a packed main stand and with a good travelling support, supporting the visitors, both teams started brightly, but it was Dundalk that was to have the early chance, with a stunning double save from Magpies keeper Hankins, to keep the scores level.
Dundalk played with authority, where you could tell the team was well into there season, whilst Magpies are in Pre-Season, so fitness levels showed at various points.
But overall the better chances fell to Magpies, who had three clear chances where they beat the keeper, but just could not find the back of the net. The best chance being a cheeky lob over the onrushing keeper by half time substitute Liam Nash, but due to the angle, the ball trickled just wide of the far post.
So all to play for still, an open tie, where a winner must be found at Oriel park in a weeks time.