A blunder by the home goalkeeper Robbie Forde in the 42nd minute at Gortakeegan last night gave Shelbourne the three points.

This was far from what might have been expected from a meeting of hot championship favourites and newly-promoted outsiders United.

In fact, Shelbourne were lucky to hold the half-time lead for Monaghan had the better of the chances. The best of these fell to Darren McKenna who had an open goal chance from five yards but failed to capitalise.

Monaghan hopes soared further when Tony McCarthy was sidelined for a cynical foul on Ken Lundy.

But with three minutes to go to half-time Robbie Forde in the Monaghan goal dropped a 35 yards free from Richie Baker and Gary Haylock who had come on as a substitute netted from close in.

Shelbourne had slightly the better of the early part of the second half but Monaghan staged a storming finish without seriously threatening Steve Williams' goal.

On the whole Shelbourne looked the sharper side but Monaghan's fighting spirit kept them in the game with a chance.

Monaghan Utd: Forde, McCarville, O'Callaghan, Rogers, White, Scully, Meier, McGrath, Lundy, McKenna, Mooney. Subs: Cummins for Lundy, Farren for Mooney, Vaughan for O'Callaghan.

Shelbourne: Williams, Heary, Minnock, McCarthy, Hutton, Crawford, Byrne, Byrne, Haylock, Fitzpatrick, R Baker. Subs: Gannon for Fitzpatrick, Fenlon for Crawford.

Referee: D McKeown (Dublin).