Eircom League round-up
Defending champions Bohemians have maintained the pressure on pacesetters Shelbourne after a night of high drama in the eircom League Premier Division.
Both clubs, first and second in the table as the title race enters the home straight, came from behind to record victories with Shelbourne recovering from a 2-0 half-time deficit to defeat Shamrock Rovers 4-2 at Tolka Park. Bohs defeated second from bottom Derry City 3-1 at Dalymount Park.
At one stage, it had looked as if Rovers would present arch-rivals Bohemians with the opportunity to reduce Shels' lead to just three points after racing to a 2-0 lead.
Tony Grant put Rovers ahead on 13 minutes and they doubled the lead over their Drumcondra landlords thanks to Glen Fitzpatrick's sixth strike of the season. Fitzpatrick ghosted in between defenders on 38 minutes before collecting the through ball and slotting the ball home confidently.
Shels were not about to lie down, however, and pulled one back 12 minutes into the second-half. Pat Fenlon's side had the ball in the net but the referees whistle had already sounded for a penalty. Jason Byrne held his nerve from the spot to give Shels hope and midway through the half they restored parity, Richie Baker netting the equaliser.
Shelbourne were in the ascendancy now, and a matter of minutes later Jamie Harris pounced before Byrne got his second of the contest to seal what had seemed an unlikely win at the break.
Across the city, Bohs looked as if they might blow lose ground on the leaders after they lost an early goal to Gavin Dykes's relegation-threatened side. In a low quality opening 45 minutes, the Candystripes went ahead thanks to a well-taken Ciaran Martyn goal.
However, on the stroke of half-time the home side were back on terms after Fergal Harkin popped up in the box. The midfielder was found by with a good ball from Owen Heary and was able to compose himself before finding the finish the Bohs fans craved.
The home side picked up the pace after the break and went in front on 59 minutes. Harkin turned provider on this occasion, combining with Bobby Ryan to set up Paul Keegan, who scored a second eight minutes from time to secure three invaluable points.