Defending champions Shelbourne claimed their first eircom Premier League win of the season with a 3-1 victory over UCD at Belfield this evening. Shels were well worth their 3-1 winning margin as they dictated much of the play, but they only got their noses in front on the stroke of half-time when midfielder Stuart Byrne pounced on a knockdown from an inswinging corner to drive home from the edge of the box.
The visitors continued to cause The Students problems after the break, with the trickery and running of forward duo Wes Houlihan and Stephen Geoghegan to the fore. It was no surprise when Tony McCarthy added a second just short of the hour, and Geoghegan struck the third on 69 minutes when he turned well to hammer the ball to the net following a good build-up involving Ollie Cahill and Richie Baker. At that point Pat Fenlon's men were cruising, but UCD hit back with ten minutes remaining when Tony McDonnell climbed above Shels captain Owen Heary at the back post to head home from close range. However, it was too little too late and Shels maintained their two-goal advantage for their maiden win of the new season.
Elsewhere, Bohemians stretched their lead at the top with a hard fought 3-2 victory over Dublin rivals Shamrock Rovers at Dalymount Park. A Paul Keegan effort after 24 minutes and a brace from goalscorer supreme Glen Crowe sealed victory for The Gypsies and gives them a six point cushion over second placed Cork City. Noel Hunt and Sean Francis hit the net for Shams.
Meanwhile, Kildare County go top of the Southern section of the First Division Cup with a 3-0 win over Athlone Town at St Mel's Park with goals from Gorman, an Oliver own-goal and O'Connor two minutes from time.
Filed by Shane Murray
