Bohemians's SEASON reached a new low as they slumped to a 10th defeat after a poor display last night. Bohemians are now two points adrift at the bottom of the table and with relegation threatening, a trip to league leaders Cork City next week is a daunting prospect.

Marcus Hallows redeemed an earlier abominable miss to score the only goal of the game on the hour. Youth international Conor O'Grady played him through and the striker kept his head to shoot low past Michael Dempsey.

Bohemians could hardly be accused of chasing the game hard in the time that remained and looked like a team severely lacking in confidence.

How different it might all have been. In the first-half they had most of the possession, but a controversial incident on 20 minutes when they thought they were deprived of a goal by what they claim was a handball on the goal line by Sligo skipper Mark Hutchison, meant they had no return for their labours.

Sligo goalkeeper, Matt Boswell, had initially made a superb save from a Graham Lawlor header. Shaun Maher headed the rebound goalward when Hutchison appeared to prevent the ball crossing the line with a hand. Referee Paul McKeon was not of the same opinion and waved play on. A goal then would have been no more than Bohemians deserved. Derek Swan, back after a three week lay-off, gave their attack an impetus it has lacked.

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey; Broughan, Maher, Mullen, Byrne, McGrath, Hanrahan, O'Hanlon, O'Connor, Swan, Lawlor. Subs: Conway for Swan (56 mins), Wade for McGrath (75 mins).

SLIGO ROVERS: Boswell; Callaghan, Charles, Sheridan, Hutchison, Jones, O'Grady, Ogden, Rowlands, Shannon, Hallows. Sub: Flannery for Shannon (68 mins.).

Referee: P McKeon (Dublin).