Bohemians 0 Shamrock Rovers 2: Game on and now gunning for Drogheda. Shamrock Rovers might have been second best for long spells of this absorbing contest, yet they ruthlessly exploited the few opportunities gifted to them by their hosts.

Bohemians had enough chances to win the game, yet Rovers' early goal set a considerable task. And as it was, the Phibsboro club were unable to prevent their first home defeat of the season. Rovers, though, could not have asked for a better start. Just five minutes in, Danny O'Connor volleyed home Andy Myler's flick-on after the defence failed to cope with Ger O'Brien's free.

That strike, from close range, inspired Rovers and they scrapped doggedly throughout. That said, they were forced to work overtime as Bohemians were relentless in their pursuit of an equaliser. Home supporters were on their feet prepared to celebrate when Owen Heary planted John Paul Kelly's corner on target but goalkeeper Barry Murphy pulled off a truly remarkable save.

Chris Turner, pushed into a forward role, proved the catalyst for the home side's most impressive work and the drive with which he played was impressive.

Bohemians were incensed when referee Alan Kelly refused penalty claims on the half hour. Turner skinned Dean Lawrence but the defender hauled him to the ground. Kelly required his assistant's intervention who deemed the infringement outside the box.

Rovers doubled their advantage nine minutes after the restart. John Martin seized upon a stray Jason McGuinness pass and played in O'Brien who drilled across the goal for Tadhg Purcell to bundle home at the back post.

BOHEMIANS:Blayney; Heary, Burns, McGuinness, Byrne (Singh 70); McCann, Hunt, O'Donnell (Rice 74), Kelly; Turner, Crowe. Booked: Kelly (43), McGuinness (45).

SHAMROCK ROVERS:Murphy (McGuinness half-time); O'Brien, Lawrence, Ferguson, Clarke; Martin (McGill 64), Shiels, O'Connor, Cassidy; Purcell, Myler (Amond 83). Booked: O'Brien (43), Purcell (71).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).