Shamrock Rovers 0 Bohemians 1KEVIN DEVANEY struck just before half-time to give Bohemians a hard-earned victory at Tallaght Stadium last night, and finally extinguish any lingering hopes the Hoops may have had of catching Sligo at the top of the table.

Bohemians were the first to assert themselves with a flurry of half chances around the 10-minute mark. Devaney sent a weak header wide from Keith Buckley’s cross and Keith Ward flashed a free kick into the side-netting before Rovers had fully engaged.

But as the game matured Rovers found their rhythm. Shane O’Connor and Gary McCabe became more effective down the flanks. At 37 minutes Rovers came close when Thomas Stewart crashed a shot off the Bohemians crossbar but it was the visitors who made the breakthrough on the cusp of half-time. Evan McMillan failed to connect with Ward’s free-kick but the ball ricocheted out off; and Devaney rammed it home from eight yards.

The second half was in its infancy when Ward almost added to the visitors’ lead, driving wide from 20 yards having been gifted possession by Ken Oman.

Moments later Rovers might have been level when Gary Twigg hooked another shot off the Bohs’ woodwork, Feely clearing the rebound to safety.

Having scored in each of his last four games, Ronan Finn saw Derek Pender, and then Roberto Lopes, deflect his efforts wide.

Substitute Kenny Carr might have finished it with six minutes left when he was released on goal by Pender, but Oscar Jansson pulled off a superb save.

SHAMROCK ROVERS:Jansson; Sullivan, Oman, Hawkins, S O'Connor; McCabe (Kilduff 60), Finn, Rice, Dennehy (Brennan, 74 mins); Twigg, Stewart (Greene, 82 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Murray; Barker, McMillan, Feely, Lopes; Buckley, Ward (J O'Connor, 90+2 mins), Pender, Mulcahy, Moore (Mulligan, 67 mins); Devaney (Carr, 83 mins).

Referee: P McLaughlin (Donegal).