Shelbourne - 1 Shamrock Rovers - 2: A welcome lift for Rovers who, before last night, had won just two points from a possible nine since their points deduction, but the result does little for Shelbourne who are without a league win since the start of May.
Worrying times indeed for Pat Fenlon's men and this latest slip could prove detrimental to their title ambitions as it affords Cork City significant breathing room at the top.
Tensions were already at boiling point at Tolka Park a full hour before kick-off following an altercation between Rovers manager Roddy Collins and Shelbourne's chief executive Ollie Byrne. Officials from both clubs refused to confirm an incident had taken place.
It was the home side's slick exchanges that set the early tone and within five minutes they were ahead. Dave Rogers met Jason Byrne's deep corner and he looped a header over Rovers goalkeeper Barry Murphy.
However, Rovers stuck to their task and 10 minutes from the break they equalised. Stephen Gough whipped in a deep cross from the right which Mark Rutherford headed into Dave Mooney's path and the striker made no mistake from close in.
Seven minutes later, Rovers took the lead. Willo McDonagh burst through a crowded box to head Derek Phillips' corner past Steve Williams from six yards.
Rovers were fortunate not to have relinquished their lead as Glen Crowe's effort in the 53rd minute appeared to have crossed the line before Murphy scrambled it clear. Things then went from bad to worse for the home side when Colin Hawkins upended McCourt in the 61st minute but Williams easily batted away the striker's casual penalty.
Two minutes later, Rovers were reduced to 10 men. Midfielder Gavin McDonnell was dismissed when he clashed unnecessarily with Crowe in the Shelbourne box.
Rovers lost McDonagh to a second yellow one minute from time, but survived six minutes of injury time, and a Jason Byrne shot, to secure full points.
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Brennan, Hawkins, Rogers, Cahill; Baker, S Byrne, Crawford, Hoolahan; J Byrne, Crowe. Subs: Crawley for Brennan (60), Ryan for Hoolahan (70), Fitzpatrick for Crowe (76). Booked: Crawford (16), Fitzpatrick (86).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Murphy; Gough, Gavin, McGuinness, Phillips; Molloy, McDonagh, McDonnell, Rutherford; McCourt; Mooney: Subs: Daniel for McCourt (77), McGovern for Mooney (95). Booked: Molloy (37), McDonagh (44). Sent off: McDonnell (63), McDonagh (89).
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin).
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