Munsters 9 Ospreys 8:A Paul Warwick penalty three minutes into injury time kept Munster's Magners Celtic League challenge on track with a one-point victory over defending champions Neath-Swansea Ospreys at Musgrave Park.

The Ospreys could have stolen it right at the death had Shane Williams' drop-goal been more accurate, but the home side held on for four points, with the focus now shifting to next weekend's Heineken European Cup semi-final against Saracens.

For now, the result leaves Munster 11 points behind leaders Leinster in third place and with a game in hand.

In difficult conditions there was little to choose between the sides at any stage but shortly after the hour mark Paul Warwick added his second penalty to give Munster the advantage. He and Wales international James Hook shared just six points between them until then.

Hook could have levelled the scores soon afterwards but missed his fourth from five when striking the upright from distance. Ospreys, however, were not finished and looked to have won the game when New Zealander Sonny Parker powered past Tony Buckley and through Warwick to crash over in the corner.

With six minutes and injury time remaining Munster picked their way up the pitch and earned their chance to win it when prop Marcus Horan charged down a clearance kick and then wrapped up Justin Marshall to force the Kiwi into conceding the penalty.

There was a hush across Musgrave Park as Warwick stepped up and roar when he struck it perfectly between the posts.

Ospreys went in search of the sucker punch and looked dangerous when earning a penalty that was kicked to the corner. Their lineout worked well all evening and it was no different on this occasion.

Alan Brew was then held up close to the line as the Munster players dug deep in defence and rebuffed the try threat. Williams then decided to drop into the pocket but he pushed his left-foot strike wide of the upright and Munster could finally draw breath.