Ten-man Sligo Rovers missed a glorious opportunity to increase their lead at the top of the league after an excellent second-half show of defiance by Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

Bohs, who had Owen Heary manning the touchline in the absence of the suspended Aaron Callaghan, started the game impressively with Karl Moore flashing a long-distance shot just past the Sligo post.

The most potent threat from Sligo came in the shape of winger Pascal Millien, who was making his first league start for the Bit O’Red.

Sligo increased the tempo considerably upon the restart, with former Bohs star Mark Quigley forcing a brace of fine stops from Craig Sexton, and Evan McMillan pulling off a last-gasp block to stop Jason McGuinness from scoring on 55 minutes.

Sligo looked to be the most likely victors of this engrossing tie, though they did suffer a setback with 11 minutes remaining when McGuinness was given his marching orders for a second yellow-card offence. Gary Rogers then had to be alert to keep out an attempt by Dave Mulcahy with six minutes to go.

BOHEMIANS — Sexton; Pender, McMillan, Lopes, Feely; Buckley (Corcoran 85), McEvoy, Mulcahy, Ward (Traynor 57), Moore (Mulligan 71); Scully.

SLIGO ROVERS — Rogers; Cretaro, Peers, McGuinness, Gaynor; Millien (Dykes 83), Lynch, Cawley, Quigley; Dillon (Owens 92); North.

REF– D Hancock (Dublin).

Irish Independent