Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers couldn't be separated in the first meeting between the two old enemies at Dalymount Park in the SSE Airtricity Women’s Premier Division.
Both defences came out on top in an enthralling, energy sapping clash in front of a new League record attendance of 1,256.
In typical Dublin derby fashion, both sides came flying out of the traps despite the scorching conditions at pitch level.
Within the opening five minutes both sides had good chances to strike the first blow. Alannah McEvoy’s inviting low cross was inches away from being turned home by Abbie Larkin, before Rachel Doyle almost caught Amanda Budden out with a powerful strike from distance.
Since the 4-0 defeat to the visitors in the reverse fixture back in April, Bohs had been in stunning form unbeaten in five games - winning four and drawing one so confidence was high amongst Pat Trehy’s charges but were missing influential skipper Erica Burke up front.
Niamh Prior stepped into the striker role but faced the unenviable task of going up against the Rolls-Royce-esque Jessica Hennessy.
But the unbeaten visitors knew a win would put them top temporarily and ramp up on the pressure of their title rivals Shelbourne and Peamount who played later and began to push the hosts back.
Larkin and McEvoy had efforts from distance and just after the half hour mark some of the travelling Hoops supporters thought they had taken the lead. Lia O’Leary took on all comers before playing a through ball to Áine O’Gorman, who saw her low strike drag agonisingly wide of the foot of the post.
Bohs responded will to the bout of pressure and on the stroke of half time, it was the raucous home fans' turn to think they had taken the lead when Mia Dodd hit a thunderous strike that Budden did well to get down to, but saw the ball then spill over her body and almost creep over the line.
There was still time for Budden to pull off one of the saves of the season to deny what would have been an own goal. Dodd’s dangerous delivery was almost turned into her own net by Abby Tuthill, but the Rovers stopper showed lightning quick reactions to get down low and turn behind for a corner.
There was no let up in the pace as it became a more attritional affair in the second period.
Irish international O’Gorman stung Rachael Kelly’s palms from a tight angle before Larkin saw her looping header sail over following the restart.
But the Bohs rearguard remained resolute, well marshalled by the imperious player-of-the-match Lisa Murphy as the clock ticked on with little between the sides.
Try as they might to find a winer, Bohs just lacked a little cutting edge in the final third but dug in to keep the visitors at bay with a point each a fair result.
The Gypsies welcome Cork City to Dalymount before the break hoping to keep their impressive run going, whilst Collie O’Neill’s unbeaten side face a mouthwatering top of the table clash at home to title rivals Peamount United.
Bohemian FC: Rachael Kelly, Lynn Craven, Lisa Murphy, Ciara Maher, Katie Lovely, Kira Bates-Crosbie, Fiona Donnelly, Rachel Doyle, Sarah Rowe, Mia Dodd, Niamh Prior (Grace Kelly, 58’)
Subs not used: Medbh Ryan, Aoife Robinson, Abbie O’Hara, Leah Hughes, Lara Phipps, Sadhbh Moran, Amy Ellis, Anna Hegarty
Shamrock Rovers: Amanda Budden, Jess Gargan (Alannah Prizeman, 90), Jessica Hennessy, Abbie Tuthill (Shauna Fox, 72’), Savannah McCarthy (Lauren Kelly, 90), Abby Larkin (Jamie Thompson, 67’) Aoife Kelly, Abby Tuthill, Lia O’Leary, Aine O’Gorman, Alannah McEvoy
Subs not used: Lauren Kelly, Orlaith O’Mahoney, Aoibhe Fleming, Chloe McCarthy, Summer Lawless, Shannon Coady
Referee: Sean Stephens
Peamount United returned to the summit but only after coming through a 5-3 thriller against last season's league and cup runners-up Athlone Town.
After Chloe Moloney and Athlone's Gillian Keenan exchanged first half goals, Kate Mooney plundered a seven-minute hat-trick in the second half to put Peamount in control.
Karen Duggan added a fifth with 15 minutes to go but Hazel Donegan and Kellie Brennan netted two late goals for Athlone who stay seventh.
Shelbourne stay third in the table but move to within three points of Shamrock Rovers after a 2-0 win at Galway United.
Two goals in as many minutes from Jemma Quinn and Christie Gray midway through the first half proved enough for the reigning double winners.
Treaty United and Sligo Rovers couldn't be separated in their eventual 3-3 draw which saw Emma Doherty score a goal in each half for the Bit o' Red, while DLR Waves earned a 1-0 win for new manager Laura Heffernan at Cork City thanks to a Katie Malone goal.
