Shelbourne failed to put their current league position beyond doubt with Bohemians stealing a late winner at Tolka Park last night.

Paul Byrne claimed the winner two minutes into injury time to put Shelbourne's hopes on hold and the question now is whether Finn Harps win enough points from their remaining games to sustain the challenge. Bohemians, meanwhile, can finally bury their relegation fears for the season.

Shelbourne's form has been suspect recently although they looked sharp from the start of this game, going ahead after 18 minutes. Dessie Baker picked out an unmarked Stephen Geoghegan from 20 yards outside the box and he had no problem in directing the header into the net.

However, the equaliser came after 38 minutes. Tony O'Connor played a hopeful ball from half way towards Ray Kelly's open space on the right. Kelly then took a chance from outside the box and did especially well to place it low into the left corner and just out of Alan Gough's reach.

Bohemians continued to keep the momentum into the second half, with Byrne and substitute Tommy Byrne creating a number of opportunities although captain Pat Scully was also keeping things active at the other end.

Neither side were able to make it count as the half progressed, despite Kelly making a few more chances and Tommy Byrne forcing a high catch from Gough. The winner, it seemed, was going to elude both sides as the game progressed.

Bohemians' persistence eventually paid off when Byrne's late free from 20 yards outside the box saw his powerful shot deflected through the Shelbourne defence and a fumble by Gough saw the ball roll into the net.

SHELBOURNE: Gough, Heery, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Scully, Doolin, Baker, Byrne, Sheridan, S Geoghegan, Kelly.

BOHEMIANS: Dempsey, O'Connor, Brunton, Maher, O'Driscoll, P Byrne, O'Hanlon, Hunt, Lawlor, Kelly, Mullen. Subs: T Byrne for Mullen. (45 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).