Hoops boss wary of Bohs threat

Shamrock Rovers manager Michael O'Neill believes his side may need to win their final six games if they are to claim their first league title in 15 years, writes RTÉ Sport's Glenn Mason.

O'Neill's admission followed his side's 1-0 win over title rivals Bohemians at Tallaght Stadium on Friday night, which moved the Hoops two points clear at the top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.

The game came to life in the 80th minute when Padraig Amond's strike deflected off Brian Shelley and beyond Brian Murphy to put Rovers ahead.

A needless foul on Glen Crowe by Rovers defender Pat Sullivan gave Jason Byrne the chance to equalise from the penalty spot.

However, Bohs' top scorer fired the spot-kick high over the bar following a long wait when an assistant referee indicated that he was struck by an object thrown from the stand.

Rovers then had to survive the frantic final exchanges with ten men as Sullivan was sent-off in the aftermath of the penalty drama.

O'Neill said: 'We're top but there are still six games to go. I'm sure Pat [Fenlon] is in there now telling his players that if they win their last six games then they'll still win the title.

'They'll be expecting us to slip up and it's up to us to make sure that it doesn't happen. It is a great time to go on top, but there is still an awful lot to do. Now we've got something to lose.'

Rovers arguably have the tougher run-in, which starts away to Derry City at the Brandywell next Friday night.

'We've got where we are because we just kept playing and getting results. That's what we have to do now,' O'Neill added.

'We have to go to Derry and get a result. I wouldn't be surprised if we have to take the maximum points from now on to win the league.'

O'Neill's disappointed counterpart, Pat Fenlon, believes that his side are still more than capable of retaining their title despite the setback.

Fenlon said: 'There are a lot of points to play for and tough games ahead for both teams. I think there will be a few more twists and turns before the end of the season.

'I think both teams will drop points. It will be difficult to win that many games on the spin. Hopefully, they drop a few more than we do.'