Baker puts Shelbourne for teams top

A second-half goal from Dessie Baker allows Shelbourne to return to the top of the Premier Division for 24 hours at least but it took a sustained effort to see off a stubborn challenge from Bohemians at Tolka Park last night.

Richie Baker was at the centre of most of the Shelbourne's attack in the opening quarter. First to test Wayne Russell in the Bohemians goal and later made a number of useful combinations with Stephen Geoghegan, one of which was just flicked over the crossbar after 20 minutes.

Bohemians went close after 30 minutes with Stephen Caffrey's header demanding the first save from Steve Williams.

With three minutes of the first half remaining Shaun Maher underhit a back pass to Russell and nearly let Baker in but Russell got there first by diving in feet first - he was fortunate not to give away a penalty.

A substitution each early in the second half did little to break the deadlock, and the frequent rainfall hardly helped matters either. Patience began running low, Bohemians had Stephen Caffrey booked, and neither side kept to the organised flow of the first half.

The visitors then saw another of their better chances go a begging when Ray Kelly failed to get on the end of a through ball from Caffrey. Dessie Baker then played Stephen Geoghegan through at the other end and Russell did well to cover his goal.

Bohemians then lost defender Robbie Brunton on 67 minutes for his dangerously late sideline tackle on Carel Van der Velden, and it became a real battle for the points going into the last quarter hour.

The home support were then finally given what they wanted on the 78 minute mark. Tony McCarthy's short pass to Van der Velden 10 yards outside the box set up his powerful long shot at goal, and Russell did well to get his hands down the first time. But Dessie Baker was first in for the rebound and slammed the ball into the open net for his first goal of the season.

A succession of corners couldn't yield anything for Bohemians, although Glen Crowe did come close with just two minutes remaining. The four minutes of added time also saw a final effort by substitute Paul Byrne fly well over the bar.

Shelbourne Manager Dermot Keely will be well satisfied that they remain unbeaten after 13 matches.

SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Scully; D Baker, Doolin, S Geoghegan, R Baker; Fenlon, Keddy. Sub: Van der Velden for Doolin (56 mins).

BOHEMIANS: Russell; O'Connor, Brunton, Hunt, Maher; John, O'Hanlon, Caffrey, Crowe; Kelly, Dempsey. Subs: Byrne for O'Hanlon (50 mins), Swan for Kelly (64 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).