Bohemians picked up their second league win in four days thanks to Paul Keegan's 56^th minute winner against Dundalk at Oriel Park last night.

 

The result keeps the Dalymount Park outfit in the hunt for a third title on the trot, this win lifting them level on points with St Patrick's Athletic in second place, six points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers. In contrast, Dundalk are now just a single point above the relegation play-offs.

 

Bohs made five changes to the side which picked up a crucial win over Bray Wanderers at Dalymount Park on Tuesday night, Raffaele Cretaro missed out through injury while Paddy Madden and Killian Brennan had to make do with places on the bench.

 

Dundalk, who were humbled by Monaghan United in the League Cup on the same night, were given a huge boost when captain Liam Burns passed a late fitness test to make his first league start in three months. Ross Gaynor was re-introduced at the expense of Stephen McDonnell while Tom Miller missed out through suspension.

 

The hosts opened on the front foot, looking to take the lead in an Airtricity League game for the first time since May 21. Bohs goalkeeper Chris O'Connor was called into action early on when he had to palm a Simon Madden cross away from the incoming Gaynor and minutes later he got down to turn a Matthew Tipton effort away at the near post.

 

The game came to life with two goals in the space of four minutes. Bohs hit the front in the 37^th minute with their first real attack. Brian Shelley's looping cross from the right found Mark Quigley at the back post and his header found Peter Cherrie's net.

 

Dundalk hit back four minutes later from the penalty spot. Linesman Mark Gavin made the call, flagging for a handball against Shelley. Tipton, whose cross drew the foul, casually sent O’Connor the wrong way for his second goal in a Dundalk shirt.

 

The second-half opened with more drama. Bohs went back in front after 56 minutes when Paul Keegan swept the ball home after Shaun Kelly had blocked a goalbound effort by Aaron Greene. Keegan had instigated the move which led to the goal by cutely dispossessing Liam Burns on the touchline in front of the main stand.

 

Dundalk thought they had drew level again just two minutes later when Tipton turned a Stephen Maher cross into the net from close range but his effort was ruled out for offside. The Lilywhites were dealt a further blow three minutes later when Maher was dismissed for a second bookable offence.

 

Dundalk: Cherrie; Madden, Burns, Hatswell, Kelly; Kearns, Maher, Bennett, Gaynor (McDonnell 78); Kuduzovic (Lennon 16), Tipton.

 

Bohemians: O'Connor; Heary, Shelley, Oman, Rossiter (Powell HT); McGlynn, Keegan, Higgins, Cronin, Quigley; Greene (Madden 71).

 

Referee: D Tomney (Dublin)