Ross Tierney dismissal proves a turning point as St Pat's see off Bohemians

A game that swung enormously on a Ross Tierney red card ended in an otherwise impressive Bohemians being still not safe from the drop and Stephen Kenny's Saint Patrick's Athletic somehow in the title debate.

Bohs bossed the first half, making Pat's look far from the league's in-form team, but shortly afterwards Tierney picked up a second booking, fouling Chris Forrester, who had Saints in front by the hour mark – this before further goals from Jake Mulraney and skipper Joe Redmond.

Dawson Devoy's reposte with a minute left illustrated Bohs' improving spirit but they deserved more than this.

It is now in Saints' hands to finish above faltering Derry; they need three more wins at least – as well as Shelbourne and Shamrock Rovers dropping points – in the most ludicrously erratic title race imaginable. It just might happen.

This game summed up the basket-case season we'll be so sad to see the end of. Bohs could still get relegated yet they were full of swagger in the opening half, strangely dominant – but they still managed to lose, and Kenny will reflect on a night in which Pat's were poor 11 versus 11 but managed a way to win in a canter.

Jamie Lennon is one of the best in the Irish business and his suspension-reasoned absence gave Aaron Bolger the chance to shine. One wondered beforehand: what did Stephen Kenny say to motivate the former Cork City midfielder, who would surely face a demanding night dealing with Devoy?

Saints began with such purpose as befitting a side incredibly still in the title race but they should have been behind on six minutes. The wizardry of Dayle Rooney's left peg invited Tierney to score but he could only watch in agony as Tom Grivosti cleared off the line.

No sooner had play settled down and the