Bohemians back on top after late win at Sligo Rovers

Bohemians returned to the summit of the Premier Division, opening up a three-point gap between themselves and Derry City, as they picked up a late win over Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Krystian Nowak struck his first goal for the Phibsboro side on 83 minutes when he headed Ali Coote's corner past Luke McNicholas in the Rovers goal.

The victory means Bohs have now won six of their opening seven games.

In search of their first win in three and without a recognised right full-back in their squad due to injuries, Rovers made one change from their draw at Derry on St Patrick’s Day, manager John Russell relying on Estonian winger Frank Liivak to deputise for the injured Johan Brannefalk.

Bohs arrived at the Showgrounds seeking to regain top spot from last season's runners-up Derry. Manager Declan Devine included former Sligo duo Paddy Kirk and captain Adam McDonnell in his starting team while Canadian Kris Twardek, who spent a season and a half in the north west, was named on the bench.

The Gypsies boss made two changes from their defeat of UCD two weeks ago, full-back Jay Benn and attacker James Clarke taking their place in the XI.

The Dubliners had the better of the four meetings between the sides last season, winning three of these, but it was the hosts who had the better of things in the opening half.

Rovers captain Greg Bolger’s disguised pass from a set piece on six minutes caught out the Bohs rearguard, who had to rely on goalkeeper James Talbot. The stopper reacted in time to smother Bogdan Vastsuk’s placed attempt from close range.

Jonathan Afolabi found himself just short of James Akintunde’s cross to the far post shortly after while Bolger’s cheeky effort from all of 40 yards had the imagination but lacked the accuracy