BOHEMIANS, already safely, through to next season's UEFA Cup, finished their season on a high note when a 23rd minute goal from Brian Mooney was enough to see off the challenge of "Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park yesterday.

Rovers, knowing they had to, collect three points to have any chance of qualifying for this summer's InterToto Cup, looked the more dangerous side early on before Bohemians got to grips, with the game.

When full-back Tommy Byrne sent Tony O'Connor away on the left, the crafty midfielder delivered a cross which was only partially parried by goalkeeper Alan O'Neill. Mooney was fastest to react in a crowded goalmouth, and headed the ball into the net. O'Neill and Mooney required attention after this duel - and both were substituted at half-time.

Rovers went close to forcing an equaliser on 38 minutes. A clever probing ball from Sean Francis allowed Lynch to shoot past the diving Dave Henderson but Tommy Byrne was back to clear off the line.

Rovers had the monopoly of the attacking play in the second period. They might have had a penalty on the hour when Karl Gannon seemed to be taken down

Derby County returned to the top flight in England after an absence of five years when yesterday's 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace secured promotion to the Premiership. A close, competitive and tense contest was settled in the 55th minute when Robin van de Laan headed in a corner.