It was a routine day at the office for table toppers Shelbourne against Kilkenny City at Buckley Park on Saturday.

Shelbourne were expected to win and they duly did so; but without ever having to produce any outstanding form.

Kilkenny were full of effort and enthusiasm, but there was a serious gulf in class.

Goals from Dessie Baker in the 33rd minute, Richie Foran (57th), and Jim Crawford (82nd) gave Shelbourne a win that came after a dominant closing second half.

The early exchanges were lively, and Kilkenny might have scored through Graham O'Hanlon in the sixth minute.

Slowly but surely Shelbourne stamped their authority on proceedings and the opening goal came following a beautiful cross from Mark Hutchinson which was knocked down by Richie Baker to the scorer Dessie Baker.

Hutchinson was involved in the second goal as well, and his wellaimed ball out of defence saw Dessie Baker set up Richie Foran for a simple tap in from six yards.

The third goal came after a Hutchinson free kick rebounded off the Kilkenny wall, and Crawford headed home from close range.

Kilkenny City: Nelson, Brennan, Brunton, Riordan, Wilkinson, O'Hanlon, McGrath, Purdy, McReavy, Rocha, Murray. Subs: W Parks for Murray (53 min), G Costello for Wilkinson (71 mins).

Shelbourne: Williams, Heary, McCarthy, Scully, D Baker, R Baker, Hutchinson, Fenlon, Geoghegan, Crawford, Foran.

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).