Cobh Ramblers moved a point clear at the top of the First Division table after this dramatic but deserved 2-1 win over Monaghan United at St Colman's Park.
Despite missing a first half penalty through Kieran O'Reilly, the home side went in front through Davin O'Neill just after the break.
Robbie Farrell equalised for Monaghan when his cross beat goalkeeper McCarthy after 55 minutes, but O'Neill headed a brilliant winner just a couple of minutes later.
He had the chance of completing a hat-trick but his spot-kick hit the crossbar.
Ramblers now have the chance of winning the title if they win at Athlone Town next Saturday night at the same time that second placed Finn Harps play Kilkenny City.
Cobh had a great opportunity to take the lead after 23 minutes when centre-forward Kieran O'Reilly was brought down in the penalty area by Monaghan defender Aaron Mooney.
But O'Reilly, who had scored six goals in the previous three games, had his weak penalty saved by Ronan McCann.
But Stephen Henderson's side took the lead on 47 minutes when an Alan Carey corner-kick was headed down at the far post by Shane Guthrie and Davin O'Neill swept home his 13th league goal of the season.
Monaghan were back in the match ten minutes into the second half when a Robbie Farrell cross from the left wing beat everybody and went in off goalkeeper James McCarthy.
But O'Neill was on the mark again after 57 minutes when he headed home John Kearney's corner to send the 1,500 fans celebrating as Cobh hit the front again.
O'Neill had the chance to extend the lead when he was brought down in the penalty area, and after referee Robert Rogers had awarded his second penalty, the striker's effort hit the crossbar.
Ramblers substitute Michael O'Shea struck the same spot in the last minute with a 20-yard shot, but in the end Stephen Henderson's side settled for 2-1 and are just 90 minutes from Premier Division football.
COBH: McCarthy; Carey, Coleman, Guthrie, J Meade; O'Neill, Barrett, Kearney, Mulconry; O'Reilly, Cummins.
Substitutes; King, C Meade, Cambridge for Barrett 75 mins, O'Shea for O'Reilly 86,Deasy.
MONAGHAN: McCann; Gannon, Fitzpatrick, Mooney, Whelan; Meenan, Tierney, Hussain, Cousins; Byrne, Farrell.
Subs; O'Connor for Hussain 70 mins, McCluskey.
Referee. Robert Rogers(Dublin).
