Shelbourne - 2 St Patricks Athletic - 0 Republic of Ireland new boy Jason Byrne had the perfect end to a perfect week when he scored twice as Shelbourne beat St Patrick's Athletic at Tolka Park last night.
Byrne made his international debut as a late substitute against Poland on Wednesday night and he showed just why Brian Kerr capped him with two fine poachers goals to put Shelbourne six points clear at the top of the table.
Having a senior international in their midst gave Shelbourne an added spring to their step.
Even though withdrawn with 14 minutes remaining because of fatigue, it was always going to be Byrne's night as he left the pitch to a deserved standing ovation from the home supporters.
There's no doubt the confidence shown by Kerr in this gifted striker has rubbed off on Byrne, who is a cousin of Robbie Keane's. The Spurs man better watch his back.
If Byrne keeps up his current form, there can be no doubting that Shelbourne will win back-to-back titles for the first time in their history.
However, they proved they are far from a one-man team with a wonderful display of fluid attacking football against a St Patrick's side far better than their League position suggests.
St Patrick's played some fine football and are sure to climb away from the bottom of the table in the coming weeks, but they lacked the cutting edge of the Shelbourne side, with the few chances that they created all being spurned.
In a frantic start, the visitors could have taken the lead when Darragh Maguire headed a Keith Fahey cross against the post, before Shelbourne went in front in the 12th minute.
Wes Hoolahan turned Joseph Ndo on the right and slipped a pass through for Owen Heary whose first time cross was lashed past Chris Adamson by Jason Byrne from six yards.
It could have been 2-0 seven minutes later as Hoolahan played in Glen Fitzpatrick, who beat the goalkeeper only for Maguire to clear off the line.
But at half time, Shelbourne still had the narrowest of leads, though it took just seven minutes for them to double their advantage.
Once again, it was Jason Byrne who found the net when a high Hoolahan corner was headed back across goal by Doherty for the on-form striker to lash past Adamson from close range.
With the three points secured, Shelbourne took their foot off the gas somewhat and St Patrick's almost grabbed a late consolation when Keith Dunne raced clean through only for goalkeeper Steve Williams to make a fine save.
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, Harris, Doherty, Rogers; Hoolahan, S Byrne, Crawford, Cahill; Fitzpatrick, J Byrne (McCarthy 76).
ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC: Adamson; Quigley, Maguire, Foley, El Khebir; Osam (Jones 72), Fahey, Ndo; Dunne, Bird, O'Keeffe.
Referee: A Kelly (Cork).
