LEAGUE OF IRELAND PREMIER DIVISION: SHAMROCK ROVERS manager Michael O'Neill dedicated this derby victory to the people who have kept the club afloat as Gary Twigg's late brace deprived Bohemians of regaining the leadership of the table.

“It’s a huge victory,” said O’Neill. “I’m delighted because it means a lot more to the people who have been here a long time.

“I know the history and rivalry and it’s always nice to beat your rivals, but I’ve not gone through the pain and the anguish I’m sure that many of the supporters and many of the members, the committee, and the people who’ve kept this club alive over the years have done, so I am delighted for them. It’s fantastic.”

Scot Twigg became a local hero with two goals in as many minutes as Rovers turned the game on its head in a sensational finish at Tallaght Stadium to end four straight defeats to their arch-rivals.

Jason Byrne put the champions in front on 15 minutes with the 150th league goal of his career. Anto Murphy was tripped by Rovers’ captain Shane Robinson and Byrne scored emphatically from the penalty spot for his 11th goal of the season.

Poor in the first half, Rovers were better in the second but didn’t hit back until Twigg hooked home a Stephen Rice shot on 88 minutes. Twigg’s 10th goal of the season then won it a minute later when he met Aidan Price’s free-kick to loop a header over Brian Murphy to send the home crowd into raptures.

“To win my first (Bohs derby) here in Tallaght is really important to the fans, you see that,” said Twigg. “To get two goals, I’m just delighted, to be honest.”

The win moves Rovers level on points with Derry City in third place, two points behind Bohemians who trail leaders Cork City by three points.

SHAMROCK ROVERS:Murphy; Flynn, Maguire, Price, Cahill; Bradley, Rice, Cameron (Baker, 62 mins), Robinson (O'Connor, 42 mins.); Amond (Purcell, 74 mins), Twigg.

BOHEMIANS:B Murphy; Shelley, McGuinness, Heary, Powell; A Murphy (Rossiter, 79 mins.), Keegan, Cronin, Brennan; Crowe (Fenn 45 mins), J Byrne.

Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).