Bohemians manager Alan Reynolds felt that nervousness of the occasion played a part in the 1-0 defeat at home to Shelbourne that ended their title hopes.

The north Dublin club entered the penultimate round of action in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division knowing that a win was crucial if they were to take the title race to the final day.

However, Mipo Odubeko's goal five minutes from time handed Shelbourne an away scalp, and Shamrock Rovers the title.

For Reynolds, it was a case of too little too late, with rocky early October form proving costly. Defeats to Rovers, in the league, and Waterford, in the FAI Cup, dashed any hopes of silverware.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport after Friday night's game, the Bohs boss did not rule out nervous energy as being a factor in their lethargic performance.

"It looked to me (nerves did) play a part," he said.

"But there was also a number of other factors.

"I'm not going to come here and knock the players, they've been unbelievable all season and they're hurting now, but we've an important few months coming up and we've got to be better again."

It was a tetchy contest throughout in Dalymount Park, but the home side's manager was quick to balance the mood in the immediate aftermath between a disappointing home defeat, and a quality Shelbourne performance.

"Look, we weren't good enough tonight to win, in fairness," Reynolds explained.

"The game was poor, but they're a good team and that, but we didn't do enough, I felt.

"I didn't see that coming, and I know we had a couple of chances, but did we leave it all on the pitch, which we have done most of the time, it just wasn't to be.

"Whether it's down to the first time getting close, trying to get across the line, whether it's that and the fellas not used to it, but it'll stand to it and we'll get better from it."

In what is likely to be their final game under the lights in Dalymount Park for an extended period, the Bohemians players made sure to pay tribute to the fans, and the ground, ahead of its renovations.

"Absolutely, it was brilliant," Reynolds said of the farewell scenes.

"It was great, coming over and the players in front of the stand, it was special."

Although their European aspirations ended at the start of the month, Shels manager John Russell took great pride in how they have finished their season.

Unbeaten in their last five games, including wins over Bohemians and St Patrick's Athletic, the run is testament to the character of the group, Russell insisted.

"That's been the message the last couple of weeks, especially after we beat Sligo at home and when we found out that Bohs got beaten in the Cup and that fourth place for Europe was gone," he said.

"It was important to show our character and mentality and we've gone away to the two teams chasing a league title and we've won.

"It's about finishing now and hopefully get another really good performance. It's momentum going into next year. Winning is a habit and we're in that flow state at the moment, so long may that continue."

The former Sligo boss took on the role back in July, replacing Joey O'Brien, and as the season draws to a close, he reflected on his time in charge.

"I've learned a lot since I've come in," Russell said.

"I think we've had a lot of injuries. When I first arrived, a lot of players were out. We're getting firepower back with John Martin, Mipo (Odubeko), (Sean) Boydie.

"All these top players are back in the building and back on the pitch. We've got a consistent team.

"I think the last couple of games have been really good, but I enjoyed us tonight. Our structure, the patterns and the togetherness in the fight.

"Even when we went ahead defending a box and you look at the defensive display from Odhrán Casey and Cameron Edwards, two players that are really good age profile, building up a good relationship and a partnership and Eddie Beach behind them.

"A lot to be pleased about tonight."