SHELBOURNE will no doubt face stiffer tests over the course of the next few months but nonetheless there was enough in their performance at Whitehall on Saturday to suggest that Damien Richardson's men are now properly equipped to mount a serious title challenge.

The acquisition of former Cork City striker, Pat Morley, could turn out to be one of the buys of the season for Shelbourne who despite their low standing in the Premier Division, are now Just six points off the lead.

Former Cork City striker Pat Morley grabbed another brace and it's clear his partnership with Stephen Geoghegan has given the team a balance that has been lacking up to now.

One man to benefit in particular is Mark Rutherford, who did all kinds of damage down the left to compound Home Farm Everton's relegation woes.

Rutherford outshone Farm's latest signing, Salik Bagayoko, on loan for a month from Middlesborough. The striker from Mali made an encouraging start but despite some good distribution made little impact on the Shelbourne goal.

By comparison, Shels made good use of their possession and went in front after 17 minutes when Tony Sheridan picked out Geoghegan with a cross from the left. He responded with a beautiful glancing header that gave Brian O'Shea no chance.

Sheridan was again amongst the thick of things in the 43rd minute when he played a short free kick to Rutherford who in turn found the head of Morley to give the visitors a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

Shelbourne continued to dictate the pace after the interval but had to wait until ten minutes from the end to seal victory when Rutherford cut in a deep cross from the deadball line which was met at the far post by Morley.