Rovers the top dogs

National League Premier Division/Shamrock Rovers - 2 Bohemians - 1: Bohemians' recent run of good form came to an end on Saturday…

National League Premier Division/Shamrock Rovers - 2 Bohemians - 1: Bohemians' recent run of good form came to an end on Saturday, as they fell to their arch-rivals at Dalymount Park.

Despite having to play this "home" fixture in Dalymount due to security concerns, and Glen Crowe's 100th league goal for Bohemians, Rovers put in a hungry and committed performance to earn the points.

Rovers took the lead with the first real chance of the game in the 19th minute: centre-half Jason McGuinness peeled away from the Bohemians defence before meeting Keith Doyle's pinpoint cross with his head at the far post.

The Gypsies went on to have the bulk of possession for the remainder of the half, but were struggling to create chances before Crowe's equaliser in stoppage time.

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After the Rovers defence failed to clear a left-wing Bobby Ryan corner, Crowe poked the ball home from six yards out.

Shane Robinson won a spot-kick for the Hoops five minutes into the second half, although whether Simon Webb made enough contact with the Rovers winger to merit the decision was debatable.

The controversy surrounding the incident certainly didn't seem to bother Stephen Gough, the Rovers midfielder sending Séamus Kelly the wrong way with a confidently struck penalty.

Rovers were then forced to endure a nervy final 15 minutes, with Crowe and substitute Stephen Ward both going close.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Mooney; Croly, McGuinness, Palmer, Doyle; Robinson, Gough, O'Halloran (McDonnell, 80 mins), Rutherford; Grant, Molloy.

BOHEMIANS: Kelly; Lynch, Hawkins, Heary, Webb (Keddy, 85 mins); Ryan, Rice (Harkin, 66 mins), Hunt, Morrison; Doyle (Ward, 83 mins), Crowe.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).