Eircom league: Shelbourne 3 Shamrock Rovers 1

Richie Foran was sent-off for the fifth time this season - after leading the way with Shelbourne's first goal in this thriller.

Foran finally beat the brilliant Tony O'Dowd to shoot Shels in front on 56 minutes.

Stephen Geoghegan added a skilful second ten minutes later before Dessie Baker sealed the win with the third on 73 minutes.

Foran was then sent-off four minutes later for handball on the line and Marc Kenny scored from the penalty.

Shels' captain Pat Scully cleared off the line from Terry Palmer while Tony Stewart headed against a post in stoppage time as Shels held out for a vital win.

Victory over Cork on Sunday will see them retain their title.