Bohs and Shels share spoils in fractious derby clash

Ross Tierney salvaged a point for ever-improving Bohemians with a cracking late equaliser to thwart title-chasing Shelbourne in a riveting north Dublin derby at Dalymount Park.

Trailing to Matty Smith's lead goal for Shelbourne just before the hour, Bohemians, much the better side throughout, deservedly levelled on 83 minutes.

A foul by substitute John O’Sullivan on Dawson Devoy brought about the goal.

From Dayle Rooney’s free kick, the ball was worked into the area by Danny Grant. Rooney laid it off for Tierney who cut past Shelbourne skipper Mark Coyle before rifling a shot that found the roof of the net courtesy of a slight deflection off O’Sullivan.

The draw nonetheless marked a big point for both sides.

Bohemians, with just one defeat in their last eight games, move eight points clear of second bottom Drogheda United with a game in hand.

It was very much a point gained for Shelbourne who edge four points clear of Derry City at the top of the table with seven games to play as they target a first Premier Division title in 18 years.

Smith and Evan Caffrey came in as Damien Duff made two changes to his Shelbourne side that won away to Dundalk last week to regain their leadership of the table.

With club skipper Jordan Flores, who scored both goals in their win over Shelbourne at Tolka Park back in April, returning to their starting line-up following injury the one change from their rousing win over Shamrock Rovers last Sunday, it was Bohemians who started on the front foot to go on and dominant the first half.

That said, it was Shelbourne who carved the game’s first opening on four minutes.

Aiden O’Brien’s tenacity saw him bustle into the Bohemians’ area to cross. Ali Coote just couldn’t get to the back post in time to apply the