Galway United put their poor home form of this season behind them as they drew 0-0 with Shelbourne at Teryland Park last night. The point Shelbourne got was enough, however, to send them to the top of the Premier Division table. As early as the second minute, Galway had a chance to go ahead when the recalled Eric Lavine set up Ollie Neary, who drove the ball wide with a left-footed effort from 12 yards when a score seemed on.

Shelbourne, who were in search of their seventh league win of the season, had an opportunity of their own almost immediately when Kieran Foley fouled Stephen Geoghegan out on the left. Carl Van Der Velden's 25 yard free kick forced Eddie Hickey into a superb save as he parried the ball over the bar for a corner.

After 24 minutes Neary tried to chip Shelbourne goalkeeper Steve Williams from all of 35 yards but the effort carried over the crossbar.

Shelbourne had their last chance of the first half when James Keddy sent in a cross from the left which was met with a diving header by Pat Fenlon which just went off target.

With six minutes to go Baker brought a save once more from Hickey but there was no breaking the stalemate.

Galway United: Hickey, Sheridan, Foley, Clery, Morgan, Cregg, Dolan, Watson, Neary, Lavine, Kabia. Subs: Killeen for Kabia (60 mins); Thornton for Watson (80 mins).

Shelbourne: Williams, Heary, Scully, McCarthy, D Geoghegan, R Baker, Van Der Velden, Fenlon, Keddy, S Geoghegan, Haylock. Subs: D Baker for Haylock (half-time).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).