Shelbourne sit joint-top of the Premier Division table after three games as they battled their way to victory over Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.
John O'Sullivan the only name on the scoresheet, the goal arriving on 12 minutes when Sean Gannon fired a Liam Burt cross off the former Bohemians man and beyond Bit O'Red net-minder Ed McGinty.
The victory sees Damien Duff's side hit the summit, going level on points with fellow leaders Derry City. While Sligo's search for a first win of the season moves on to their visit to Dundalk on Monday.
There were early chances at either end before Shels opened the scoring.
Skipper Mark Coyle breached the Sligo line, but the intent of his run didn't match the effort as his weak shot was easily held by McGinty.
Paddy Barrett had to divert Simon Power's cross from underneath his own crossbar shortly before the Drumcondra men hit the lead.
After a short corner, Burt floated over a cross, Sean Gannon met it at the back-post, the ball deflected off O'Sullivan - who knew little about it - before finding a way beyond McGinty for the lead goal.
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Shelbourne lead at Sligo Rovers.
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Rovers looked sloppy for a short period and conceded chances to Burt and Will Jarvis, but Shels failed to capitalise.
The hosts did finish the opening period on top but couldn't manufacture the leveller. Ellis Chapman's shot from close range on the turn was held by Conor Kearns on 37.
While the Shels keeper was caught outside his area 60 seconds later as he attempted to tidy up a Sligo long ball.
Stranded, the ex-Galway stopper was rescued by a recovering challenge from a Shels defender on Chapman in front of goal.
Russell's charges had plenty of possession early in the second half but were repeatedly let down by a poor final ball.
McGinty then kept his side in the contest with a fantastic double save in the 63rd minute as Shelbourne found a second wind. The Oxford loanee denying Will Jarvis and then Gavin Molloy after Wiggett's defensive slip-up.
Rovers did come up with some late half chances, but again they lacked cutting edge at the telling moments.
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Charlie Wiggett, Ollie Denham, Nando Pijnaker; Simon Power (Will Fitzgerald 90), Reece Hutchinson; Conor Malley; Niall Morahan, Ellis Chapman (Owen Elding 90); Wilson Waweru (Fabrice Hartmann 61), Max Mata.
Shelbourne: Conor Kearns; Sean Gannon, Gavin Molloy, Paddy Barrett, Tyreke Wilson; John O'Sullivan (Kameron Ledwidge HT), Mark Coyle, Jonathan Lunney, Will Jarvis (Shane Farrell 83); Matty Smith (John Martin 60), Liam Burt (Evan Caffrey 60).
Referee: Declan Toland.
Attendance: 3,087
