Dundalk 1 Bohemians 2:PAUL KEEGAN'S 56th minute winner gave Bohemians their second league win in four days as they overcame Dundalk at Oriel Park last night.

The result leaves the champions level on points with St Patrick’s Athletic in second place, five points behind Shamrock Rovers. Dundalk, on the other hand, are now sitting precariously above the relegation play-offs.

Ian Foster’s side started well with Chris O’Connor called into action as early as the second minute, palming away a dangerous Simon Madden cross to deny Ross Gaynor. Matthew Tipton then tried his luck with a left-footed effort that the Bohemians goalkeeper dealt with.

A spell of mediocrity followed with both sides cancelling each other out but the game came alive with two goals in the space of four minutes. Brian Shelley picked out Mark Quigley with a cross and the Bohemians striker got up well to plant a header past Peter Cherrie.

The home side drew level in the 41st minute. Linesman Mark Gavin flagged for a handball against Shelley and Tipton stepped up to send O’Connor the wrong way from the penalty spot.

The second half bubbled along nicely from the first minute. Bohemians went back in front in the 56th minute when Paul Keegan found the far corner.

Dundalk thought they were back on level terms again two minutes later when Tipton found the net from close range after a Stephen Maher cross but his effort was ruled out for offside by referee’s assistant Ciarán Delaney.

The home side’s hopes of getting back into things were dealt a blow when Maher was dismissed for a second yellow card.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Madden, Burns, Hatswell, Kelly; Kearns, Maher, Bennett, Gaynor (McDonnell, 78); Kuduzovic (Lennon, 16), Tipton.

BOHEMIANS: OConnor; Heary, Shelley, Oman, Rossiter (Powell, HT); McGlynn, Keegan, Higgins, Cronin, Quigley; Greene (Madden, 71).

Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin).

Att: 2,500