Collins' men ride their luck

Once again it was marginal, but another three points for Bohemians, and a fourth win on the trot, has moved them to within just two points of the summit. Still, they've made a habit of pulling off one-goal deciders, and the reward at Dalymount Park last night came only after surviving a series of squandered chances from Finn Harps, especially in the opening half hour.

Instead, it was the double substitution early in the second half that proved to be the decisive strategy for Bohemians, as Paul Byrne combined perfectly with Derek Swan just minutes after both made their appearance from the bench.

It was only the second Bohemians shot on goal since the start, but Byrne's cross, with 56 minutes gone, was fired low into the net from just inside the box, giving Swan his fourth league goal of the season.

Even at that stage, one had to sympathise with Harps' plight. They remain stuck one place from the bottom, yet they were the ones who had shown all the appetite from the kick-off, creating a succession of opportunities that had the Bohemians defence walking a thin line.

Even though the home side were missing regular defenders Eoin Mullen and Tony O'Connor, they hardly could have expected Harps to cause them so much trouble. Jonathan Minnock was the first to set up Fergal Harkin's tester on Michael Dempsey in front of the Bohemians goal, but they really should have been one up right on the 10-minute mark.

Harkin had played through McHugh, and his shot on goal forced a diving block from Dempsey. The rebound fell to Paddy McGrenaghan no more than 10 yards in front of goal, yet somehow he managed to send his shot well wide of the post.

And Harps would regret even more chances after that, as Bohemians were contrasting only in their lack of imagination.

Even with the confidence blow, Harps never lost sight of their equalising hopes. Fifteen minutes from the end, James Mulligan was given a glorious opportunity in front of goal but, with their now trademark accuracy, fired it over.

So for manager Roddy Collins, it's a case of his side continuing to play consistent rather than playing consistently well. It has put them ever closer to Shelbourne, yet one wonders how much longer they can go on winning like this.

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey; Caffrey, Brunton, Hunt, Maher; John, O'Connor, O'Hanlon, Crowe; Harris, Dempsey. Subs: Byrne for O'Connor (52 mins), Swan for Crowe (53 mins), Kelly for O'Hanlon (85 mins).

FINN HARPS: McKenna; JP Boyle, Minnock, D Boyle; Dykes, Tierney, Mohan, McGrenaghan, Mulligan; McHugh, Harkin. Subs: Speak for McHugh (75 mins), Bonner for Minnock (85 mins).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).