College deny nine-man Rovers

UCD 3 Shamrock Rovers 2

League leaders Shamrock Rovers finished with nine men as Keith Ward's late winner deprived them of the chance to effectively win the title at arch-rivals Bohemians when they meet on Tuesday night.

That showdown appeared to be set when Gary Twigg headed Rovers into a 20th minute lead.

But College, themselves fighting to avoid the relegation play-off spots, hit back to level before the break through Ciaran Kilduff.

Brian Shortall then stunned the bulk of the almost 2,000 crowd when putting UCD in front on 64 minutes.

A Chris Turner penalty levelled the match 10 minutes later after UCD skipper Evan McMillan handled the ball.

Midfielder Robert Bayly was then the first Rovers player to be sent off in conceding a free-kick on 87 minutes. Ward added further punishment by beating Alan Mannus from the dead ball.

Rovers defender Danny Murphy was then also dismissed in stoppage time for a second booking.