A crucial win over Bohemians moved Sligo Rovers off the bottom of the Premier Division at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Two goals from local striker Donagh Oates were enough to plunge Bohemians back into the relegation dog-fight.

Sligo had to come from behind to earn their first victory since November 27th, when ironically they beat Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Derek Swan put the Dubliners in front after 25 minutes when he curled his shot beyond Nicky Broujos; Oates volleyed an equaliser five minutes from half-time.

Oates grabbed his second in the 61st minute when a Neil Ogden free kick caused confusion in the penalty area and the Sligo striker beat Brian O'Shea from six yards.

Graham O'Hanlon hit a post as Bohemians battled for parity. But they were reduced to 10 men in the 70th minute when substitute Graham Lawlor, only on the pitch six minutes, was sent off for a second bookable offence.