AN 83rd minute try from Nathan Chamberlain means Edinburgh’s Champions Cup qualification dreams are still alive after Richard Cockerill’s side claimed a late, late victory over Connacht at the Sportsground.

A first-half try from Magnus Bradbury kept Edinburgh in touch after Sean O’Brien and Shane Delahunt crossed for the home side, and after a red card for Connacht captain Jarrad Butler midway through the second half, Chamberlain’s late penalty and try gave the Scots victory.

With three games remaining, Edinburgh trail third-placed Scarlets by 10 points, but after this win they are still in with a chance of a shock turnaround.

The loss of joint captain Pierre Schoeman to a leg injury in the first half was a big setback for Edinburgh, but Chamberlain’s late heroics gave them reward from a tough night in Galway.

An excellent block-down of a Charlie Shiel box-kick by Gavin Thornbury almost resulted in an early try for Connacht’s Delahunt, but the sideline official spotted an obstruction and the score was chalked out.

Niall Murray’s line-out steal kept the pressure on Edinburgh, and four minutes in academy player O’Brien got in for the first score with Jack Carty converting.

Facing the stiff breeze in the first half, Edinburgh continued to be pinned in their own half, but they finally managed to ease that pressure thanks to a timely interception by Ally Miller 10 minutes in, near his own try-line.

With the wind strengthening, and with Thornbury putting Shiel under huge pressure when box-kicking, Edinburgh forays into Connacht territory were scarce. The concession of a second penalty at scrum time by Schoeman did not help, but his front-row partner Lee-Roy Atalifo almost sent Mike Willemse clear for a try with an incredible flick pass, only for Magnus Bradbury’s knock on to stall their progress.

Schoeman was helped off the field with a leg injury seconds later, with Boan Venter called into the action, and as the interval approached, Connacht would have been concerned not to have added to that early try with the conditions in their favour.

Nine minutes from the interval, Edinburgh’s defensive efforts were rewarded. A show-and-go from Chamberlain on half way saw the out-half break clear, and Bill Mata followed up with a big carry to put the Scottish side within touching distance. It took a few more tight phases to make the breakthrough, but Bradbury applied the finish to a well-worked score. Chamberlain was off target with the conversion.

Carty turned down the chance to kick three easy points for Connacht when Bradbury failed to roll away after the tackle, but on the second attempt the driving line-out paid off with Delahunt driving over Connacht’s second try.

Carty’s second conversion put Connacht 14-5 clear at half time, but straight after the restart Miller forced a penalty at the breakdown. However, Edinburgh were unable to breach the Connacht try-line when a crossing infringement was spotted in midfield.

With the rain beginning to sheet down to add to the terrible conditions, it was Connacht who enjoyed the upper hand, with the concession of needless penalties by Edinburgh helping them.

There was major concern for Andrew Davidson after 57 minutes when he sustained a head injury for the second time in a fortnight, following an illegal shoulder charge in the tackle by Connacht captain Butler. Davidson was replaced for a head injury assessment – he returned soon after – while Connacht finished the game with 14 players following a red card for Butler.

A penalty from Chamberlain 10 minutes from time closed the deficit to six points and he stretched to score the winner in the third minute of added time.

Scorers, Connacht - Tries: O’Brien, Delahunt. Cons: Carty 2.

Edinburgh: Tries: Bradbury, Chamberlain. Con: Chamberlain. Pen: Chamberlain.

Connacht: A Wootton; B O’Donnell (O McNulty 66), S O’Brien, T Daly, M Healy; J Carty, K Marmion (C Blade 62); D Buckley (J Duggan 55), S Delahunt (J Murphy 59), J Aungier (C Kenny 55); N Murray, G Thornbury; C Prendergast (A Papali’i 49), J Butler, E Masterson.

Edinburgh: D Hoyland; J Blain (C Savala 68), J Johnstone (M Bennett 62, blood), G Taylor, E Sau; N Chamberlain, C Shiel (H Pyrgos 49); P Schoeman (c) (B Venter 24), M Willemse, Lee-Roy Atalifo (A Williams 68); M Bradbury (J Hodgson 69), A Davidson (J Hodgson 57-69, HIA); L Crosbie (M Kunavula 59), A Miller, B Mata.

Referee: Chris Busby (IRFU).