Georgie Kelly and Sean Hoare put Dundalk top of the SSE Airtricity League table with goals in either half to give Dundalk a dramatic 2-0 win away to Bohemians, in Dalymount Park.
Michael Duffy played a star role in the game, setting up Kelly's goal on the 21st minute, winning a penalty in the second half and providing the cross for Hoare's goal to clinch the win.
Bohemians came into this game full of intent - "This game's not about revenge, but there is an expectation" - Keith Long said pre-match.
They weren't going into a clash with the reigning champions hoping for a result, but expecting one. Ultimately though, their expectations were cut short by a Dundalk side with a point to prove.
The visiting side came into this game with expectations of their own - they knew if they won here, they could go back top of the table, where they have come demand of themselves to be for the last number of years.
Dundalk put the home side's composure to the test in the opening stages of the game, zipping the ball around at a tireless pace and pressing high on full-backs Aaron Barry and Derek Pender when not in possession.
Not only did this force the Bohs defenders to knock the ball long and scoff up possession, but it also led to a couple of turnovers deep in their own half. Michael Duffy was unlucky on occasions not to make better contact with his shots.
Duffy played a key role in the first goal of the game when he managed to escape the grasp of two Bohs defenders down the left hand side, his blocked cross fell to the feet of Georgie Kelly, who showed the composure to turn and finish into the bottom right-hand corner with 22 minutes on the clock.
Dundalk were by far the better side in the opening half-hour, with Bohs showing some flashes of danger but ultimately lacking that cutting age to break through the Lilywhites defence.
Danny Mandoui came close to leveling it for Keith Long's side with five minutes to go until the break when he got on the end of a Darragh Leahy cross, but his shot was saved well by Gary Rogers in the Dundalk goal.
As the game wore on in the second half, the crowd of 3535 grew restless with the sloppiness of the play at either end of the pitch; Although the introduction Keith Ward to the pitch added a different dimension to Bohemians' play.
The nippy midfielder had a hand in two penalty claims in the space of two minutes.
The most credible shout came 70 minutes in when he provided the dummy run that allowed Danny Mandoui to be played through on goal, he appeared to be taken down inside the area by Sean Gannon, but referee Ben Connolly waved play on.
Dundalk had a penalty of their own not minutes later. Again Michael Duffy causing the issues down the left flank, he was taken down by substitute Luke Wade-Slater and the referee pointed to the spot.
Chris Shields stepped up to the mark but James Talbot pulled off a good save in goals.
It didn't matter in the end though as Dundalk found themselves two goals to the good on the 80 minute mark through Sean Hoare.
A free-kick from a similar position to last week when they conceded Cork. Michael Duffy provided an inch-perfect cross for Hoare, who beat the onrushing Talbot in goals to the ball.
That's two-losses on the trot now for Bohemians who face St Patrick's Athletic next Friday - Dundalk go top of the table, at least for a week, they face Cork in Turner's Cross as the rivalry enters a new faze.
TEAMS
Bohemians - James Talbot, Derek Pender [OFF 52' Lyons], Darragh Leahy, Aaron Barry, Danny Mandroiu, Dinny Corcoran, Kevin Devaney [OFF 60' Keith Ward], Danny Grant [OFF 74' Wade Slatter], Conor Livingston, Keith Buckley, James Finneerty.
Dundalk - Gary Rogers, Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Sean Hoare, Chris Shields, Michael Duffy, Patrick McEleney, Georgie Kelly, Sean Murray [OFF Mountney], Daniel Kelly [OFF Dummigan], Dean Jervis.
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