Dundalk's relegation problems worsened considerably at Oriel Park yesterday. It was their second home defeat on successive Sundays, but more seriously it was to fellow strugglers, Bohemians.

The Dublin side were not all that impressive but thoroughly deserved the three points and it could have been a much more convincing victory but for Dundalk's Welsh goalkeeper, Steve Williams.

Bohemians put the pressure on early with Tommy Byrne, a commanding figure in the centre of the field, but somehow the home goal survived. Then on 27th minutes Graham Lawlor won the ball on the left and crossed into the box where Byrne took possession and crossed for Derek Swan to score with a diving header.

Swan almost made it two a few minutes later when he beat Williams but saw his shot go wide.

Bohemians introduced Paul Byrne for the second half and the striker tormented the Dundalk defence.

In the closing stages referee, John McDermott, sent off Dundalk's Tom McNulty, who had been originally fouled and retaliated, and Bohemians' Graham O'Hanlon.

Dundalk scarcely mounted a serious attack on the Bohemians goal throughout the entire 90 minutes but what scoring efforts came were by Peter Withnell, who is reported to be unhappy and is looking to leave them.

Dundalk: Williams, Reddish, Crawley, Brady, Gollogley , Melvin, Campbell, McNulty, Ward, Withnell, Capper. Subs: Dunne for Ward (67 mins); Harte for Capper (74 mins), Martin for Melvin (86 mins).

Bohemians: Dempsey, O'Connor, Brunton, Doyle, Byrne, Hunt, O'Hanlon, Mullen, Swan, Lawlor, Kelly. Subs: P Byrne for Lawlor (halftime).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).