Bohemians 1 Longford Town 1: Events at Richmond Park last night meant that Bohemians' slim title hopes are fast fading, but for so long it looked as if James Keddy's goal was going to avenge their League Cup final defeat.

That was, however, until Barry Ferguson headed Longford's equaliser in the fourth minute of injury-time.

On a perfect surface, the home side dominated the first half against the FAI Cup semi-finalists. Bobby Ryan's trickery caused endless problems for former Aston Villa player Seán Dillon and, with Dominic Foley looking dangerous in attack, Longford endured a torrid time.

Despite Seán Prunty's early efforts and Eric Lavine's running for Longford, Bohemians came closest in the opening minutes through Simon Webb - the 26-year-old's header was cleared off the line by Prunty.

When the opening goal arrived on 14 minutes, it was a delightful strike. A great leap from Foley resulted in the ball dropping over the visitors' defence and Keddy was on hand to volley the ball to the net from inside the box.

From then until the interval, Longford struggled, particularly at midfield.

Up front they depended on long ball, effectively dealt with at the heart of the defence by the irrepressible Colin Hawkins and a composed Thomas Heary.

Bohemians exerted more pressure in the early stages of the second half with Ryan and Stephen Ward finding space on the flanks. Ryan's pile-driver was cleared off the line by Graham Gartland.

Longford battled gamely, but Alan Murphy's long-range effort was the best they had to offer until the dying moments.

However, in injury-time, Longford were awarded a free-kick after a high challenge from James Kelly. And, from Dessie Baker's inswinging free-kick, centre half Ferguson rose high to head Longford level.

The Longford section of the Jodi Stand erupted and that was that. With barely even time to restart, Bohemians had surrendered what could prove to be a very costly two points.

BOHEMIANS: Kelly, Rice, Hawkins, Heary, Webb, Ryan, Lynch, Hunt, Ward, Keddy, Foley,

LONGFORD: O'Brien, Murphy, Ferguson, Gartland, Dillon, Barrett, Fitzgerald, Perth (Kirby, 56 mins) Barrett, Lavine (Keegan, 53 mins - Keegan injured and replaced by Keogh 68 mins), Baker.

Referee: A Kelly (Cork).