In boxing parlance, Bohs were reaching for the white towel as their 15-game unbeaten run was detonated by Eddie Gormley's late penalty at Dalymount Park.
Needing a win to reduce the eight-point deficit on Shelbourne, the Gypsies were caught cold seven minutes from time when Ger McCarthy, who looked yards off-side, was scythed down by Shaun Maher as he cut into the box.
Maher was red-carded and Gormley stepped up to pour oil on burning waters as the Saints' revived their Euro ambitions and claimed their first win in eleven Dublin derbies this season.
While the bus strike went some way to explaining the paucity of St Patrick's supporters on the open North terrace the 19 bus would have ferried regulars from Inchicore to Phibsboro a more likely reason for the shortfall was the Saints' stuttering form.
Pat Dolan has made it quite clear that he is prepared to sacrifice a European place if it means weeding out the weak from the strong within his ranks and recent performances have reflected the chopping and changing.
Yet again, Dolan shuffled his pack with the absence of Trevor Molloy and Pádraig Drew providing a couple of pre-match talking points.
As both were available for selection, the bush telegraph was buzzing with speculation that their omission may have been linked to their reluctance to commit themselves to new contracts.
Curiously, Colin Hawkins, who seems set to leave when his contract elapses at the end of the season, was again selected for the Saints, this time in his preferred central defenders' role.
There was a recall for Eddie Gormley in midfield at the expense of Martin Russell but the Saints, with a clutch of youngsters in their ranks, sparkled into life fitfully in a slow-burner derby.
For much of the first half, both teams seemed content to play one-two's with the angels as the ball was hoofed, high and hopeful, from box to box. The quality of play was bordering on the desperate as neither team seemed willing or able to string together three or four passes.
With so many full-time professionals on view, the standard simply wasn't good enough.
An early goal might have spiced up proceedings but thrills were in short supply as the close 'em down, kick n'rush, tactics ruled.
For a team, chasing the title, Bohemians were devoid of ideas, lacking the verve and vitality which has sustained their admirable pursuit of Shelbourne. In a sterile first-half, the Gypies managed one shot on target, from a Paul Byrne free-kick in the 23rd minute, which Trevor Wood comfortably parried.
At the other end, Michael Dempsey was slightly busier, twice earning his keep. His first intervention in the 11th minute followed one of many mis-placed passes, this time from Tony O'Connor, which enabled Alan McNevin to initiate a stirring run from his own half.
Skipping past the ponderous Maurice O'Driscoll, he perhaps shot a touch too early, his right-foot effort from the edge of the box bringing the best out of Dempsey.
Close to the half-hour, Dempsey did even better, flinging himself to his right to beat away a powerful Marcus Hallows header after McNevin and Dessie Byrne worked an opening on the left flank. It was an incident out of keeping with the half.
Belatedly, Bohs made a fist of things after the break as top scorer Glen Crowe emerged from his shell with three efforts on goal, the easiest of which was a free header from point blank range in the 63rd minute, which he directed straight at a relieved Wood.
It was more open than before and Pat's, in a rare flurry, might have broken the deadlock in the 74th minute when Ger McCarthy was unable to get enough power after being picked out by Barry Prenderville. Later, substitute Liam Kelly headed over as Pat's pressed for a winner.
© Irish Independent [http://www.independent.ie]

TEAMS:
Bohemians: Dempsey; T O'Connor, Maher, O'Driscoll, Brunton; P Byrne, Hunt, Caffrey, G O'Connor; R Kelly, Crowe. Subs: Vaudequin for P Byrne (59), Harris for R Kelly (83), John for Brunton (87).
Goals: none.
St. Patrick's Athletic: Wood; Burke, McGuinness, Hawkins, D Byrne; Prenderville, Osam, Gormley; McCarthy, Hallows, McNevin. Subs: L Kelly for McNevin (45), Croly for Hallows (73).
Goals: Eddie Gormley (pen.) 84.