Shelbourne earned their fourth successive Premier Division win and the bragging rights as they eased by Bohemians in the North Dublin Derby at Dalymount Park.
Early goals had been crucial for Shelbourne in their three straight league wins leading into tonight but late strikes, from a Will Jarvis penalty and a beautiful Gavin Molloy header, maintained their position at the summit.
A largely forgettable encounter was brought to life when Jarvis' penalty put Shels ahead with ten minutes remaining before they sucker punched a rudderless Bohs side as Molloy guided Tyreke Wilson’s weighted free kick into the far corner four minutes later.
It’s also three clean sheets in a row for Damien Duff’s charges who have cemented their position as the league’s leanest defence and are yet to drop points from a winning position.
Shelbourne almost had a goal of the season contender in the first minute when Paddy Barrett’s long-range free kick was tipped over the bar by Kacper Chorazka.
A scrappy first half, highlighted by some hefty challenges and some handbags between Dylan Connolly and Wilson, saw Shelbourne gradually take control.
Two wayward Liam Burt efforts were all Shels could muster despite their flurry of corners and lion share of possession.
Declan Devine called for a response from Bohs after a damaging defeat in Drogheda on Monday night but Dalymount was soon rife with frustration. The Gypsies were often hitting aimless long balls as they ended a dismal opening 45 without a shot on target.
The hosts emerged from the dressing room fired up and finally strung some passes together as Paddy Kirk forced Conor Kearns into a smart stop at his near post five minutes after the interval and the leaders suddenly looked on the back foot.
Estonian international Martin Miller almost cost his side a goal when the substitute was caught in possession and gave away a free-kick but Monday's matchwinner John Martin could only head Wilson’s ball straight at Chorazka.
Sean Boyd returned from a three-game suspension just after the hour mark and he was at the centre of controversy within minutes, Dalymount incensed that referee Peter McLaughlin missed a potential elbow on Cian Byrne.
It took until the last quarter of the game to see some Jarvis magic, the Hull City loanee cut inside and as the Jodi Stand held its breath in fear but the shot was tame and straight at Chorazka.
That proved to be a sighter, as the Englishman put the visitors in front from the spot with ten minutes remaining.
Burt produced a silky turn on the edge of the box and his shot was deflected into the path of Boyd, who was clipped by Byrne in the area.
There was a mass exodus in Dalymount when Molloy headed home six minutes from time as he condemned Bohemians to their second defeat in a week.
Bohemians: Kacper Chorazka, Paddy Kirk, Jordan Flores, Dayle Rooney (Grant 75), Filip Piszczek (Reinkort 75), Dylan Connolly, James Clarke, Adam McDonnell, Brian McManus (Miller 46), Cian Byrne, Michael Lilander
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns, Sean Gannon, Tyreke Wilson, Jonathan Lunney (Hakiki 89), Mark Coyle, John Martin (Boyd 64), John O'Sullivan (Caffrey 46), Gavin Molloy, Patrick Barrett, Will Jarvis, Liam Burt
Referee: Peter McLaughlin
