In a game which produced two red cards, Shamrock Rovers lost valuable ground in the Premier League title chase at Morton Stadium yesterday.

Full back Gino Brazil made his 300th competitive appearance for the home side, but it was not such a memorable occasion for Richie Purdy, who hit a dreaded own goal.

It was ironic as Purdy had scored the two winning goals when these sides met in September.

With 28 minutes gone, Gareth O Connor broke down the flanks and following a mazy run he crossed only for Purdy to divert the ball past goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd.

With that fillip, the visitors grew in confidence and really should have extended their lead before the break as Jamie Harris was guilty of missing an easy chance after being released by Paul Byrne.

The second half was something of a disappointment with Cork Referee Aidan O'Regan twice brandishing the red card.

Rovers' full back Thomas Dunne was first to go on 50 minutes after a challenge in the centre circle on Tony O'Connor, and five minutes later Harris joined him for an early bath after picking up a second booking.

That took some of the sting out of the game but Rovers came close 15 minutes before the end only for Terry Palmer to shoot over from close range.

Shamrock Rovers: O'Dowd, Brazil, Palmer, Purdy, Dunne, Robinson, Colwell, Kenny, Byrne, Francis, Lawlor. Subs: Britton for Brazil (74 mins), Stewart for Robinson (80 mins), Hackson for Lawlor (80 mins).

Bohemians: Russell, O'Connor, John, Maher, Dempsey, Byrne, Caffrey, Hunt, O'Connor, Crowe, Harris. Subs: Swan for Crowe (59 mins), O Hanlon for Maher (73 mins).

Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).