Shels stretch lead as Bohs held to a draw

Bohemians 1 Longford Town 1

Bohemians' grip on the championship trophy slipped further as this just wasn't to be their night.

Missing their injured striker Glen Crowe, Bohs found themselves a goal down after five minutes when Graham Gartland headed home Alan Kirby's corner.

It got worse for Bohs seven minutes before the break when captain Kevin Hunt was sent off for a foul on Liam Kelly, his second booking of the night.

Bohs rallied on the resumption and Robbie Doyle levelled from a free kick on 52 minutes.

But it wasn't enough and Bohs now languish four points behind leaders Shelbourne with just three games to play.

Shelbourne 2 Drogheda United 0

Shelbourne inched a step closer to regaining their title with this vital win as Bohs slipped up at home to Longford across north Dublin.

Shels survived Barry Molloy shooting against a post before Jason Byrne fired home his 19th goal of the season on 72 minutes to give them the lead following good work from Wes Hoolahan and Jamie Harris.

Ger McCarthy then did the spade work for their second goal six minutes from time when setting up Stuart Byrne to finish.

Four points ahead now, Shels could win the title at home to Cork on Friday if Bohs were to lose at Drogheda.