A second half blitz from Shelbourne blew Drogheda United away at Tolka Park as Damien Duff's Reds came from behind to record a first win in four games.
Goals from Sean Boyd, Shane Griffin and Evan Caffrey turned the game Shelbourne’s way as they remain fifth in the table, though now four points behind Bohemians.
Two defeats in four days proved all the more damaging for Drogheda who drop into the relegation play-off place for the first time this season.
With five changes from their 0-0 draw at Derry City on Friday, Shelbourne began confidently, passing the ball well in the bright late evening sunshine.
But staying compact in the middle of the park and well-organised, Drogheda were always a threat on the counterattack, spearheaded by Freddie Draper.
The 18-year-old was first to get a sight of goal on nine minutes, his drive blocked by Shelbourne skipper Luke Byrne. Luke Heeney should have done better than balloon the rebound over the top.
While Shelbourne continued to enjoy plenty of the ball they struggled to test Drogheda’s 17-year-old goalkeeper, Andrew Wogan, on his league debut, before Drogheda carved the game’s second half-chance on 34 minutes.
Captain Gary Deegan and Draper combined to tee-up Heeney whose goal-bound shot was blocked on the edge of the area.
Having grown in confidence, the visitors then found the lead with a fine goal in the 40th minute.
In-form Draper was the target and was duly picked out by Aaron McNally in-swinging cross from the left.
The on-loan striker rose above Byrne to loop a header to the top corner of the net.
Shels' Jack Moylan surged forward with promise just before the interval but his effort was diligently snuffed out by Conor Keeley.
Duff made two changes at the break with Tyreke Wilson replacing his brother John Ross while Boyd came on for Jad Hakiki.
It brought an almost immediate response as they were level within four minutes.
JJ Lunney and Moylan were involved before Shane Farrell’s deep cross found Boyd whose downward header beat Wogan.
It was Boyd’s first goal of the season following a long injury lay-off sustained on the opening night against Drogheda.
And the big striker’s first goals since scoring a brace in a 6-0 rout of Drogheda in the penultimate game of last year.
That opened the game right up as Adam Foley had a shot saved by Conor Kearns before Shelbourne struck for the lead on 67 minutes.
Byrne knocked down Farrell’s corner for fellow defender Griffin to stab home at the near post at the second attempt.
Caffrey added a fine third goal on 77 minutes to seal the win, drilling to the net after Drogheda lost the ball in midfield to allow Mark Coyle burst forward and set him up.
Draper headed home a Darragh Markey corner five minutes into added time, his fifth goal in four games and eighth of the season, for some late Drogheda consolation.
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns; Andrew Quinn, Luke Byrne (Mark Coyle 69), Shane Griffin; John Ross Wilson (Tyreke Wilson h-t), Gavin Molloy, JJ Lunney, Shane Farrell; Jad Hakiki (Sean Boyd h-t), Jack Moylan (Brian McManus 86), Matty Smith (Evan Caffrey 69).
Drogheda United: Andrew Wogan; Elicha Ahui, Emmanuel Adegboyega, Conor Keeley, Aaron McNally (Evan Weir 51); Luke Heeney (Emre Topcu 83), Gary Deegan; Adam Foley, Darragh Markey, Dayle Rooney (Michael reddy 74); Freddie Draper.
Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford).
