Shamrock Rovers have gone five points clear at the top of the Eircom League Premier Division after a 1-0 victory over Dublin rivals Bohemians at Richmond Park tonight.
Damien Richardson’s side weathered Bohemians early storm to fight back and sneak the winner in fine style through striker Tony Grant’s deft finish.
Bohemians, the reigning league and cup champions, now languish ten points behind Rovers in sixth place, adding further pressures on new manager Pete Mahon.
Bohemians started the game with plenty of zest and had the Rovers defence on the back foot from the opening stages.
Striker Glen Crowe was unlucky not to have found the net in the first half. The former Republic of Ireland squad member had three fine chances but the woodwork and a brace of fine saves from Tony O’Dowd denied him.
Rovers settled into the game midway through the half and had a decent opportunity to take the lead on half-time but Joe Colwell shot just wide after good work from the industrious Shane Robinson and Stephen Grant.
Rovers defended doggedly in the second half, opting to trouble their opponents on the break.
Rovers grabbed the winner on 52 minutes. The brilliant Shane Robinson jinked merrily through the Bohs defence before delivering a tantalising ball accross the mouth of the goal. Grant, with his marker in close attention, sweetly back-heeled the ball home.
Bohemians, by now frustrated, reverted to long ball tactics. However, the Rovers back four of Greg Costello, Terry Palmer, Pat Deans and Richie Byrne comfortably soaked up the pressure.
In the dying minutes Terry Folan and Kevin Hunt had good chances to level the game but their efforts sailed wide of the target.