National League Premier Division/ Longford Town 0 Shelbourne 2: Shelbourne beat Longford Town for the third time this season when first half-goals from in-form strikers Jason Byrne and Gary O'Neill gave the visitors a comfortable victory in the Premier Division league clash at Flancare Park on Saturday night.

Byrne broke the deadlock in the seventh minute when shooting past Longford goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien from close range after latching onto a through ball from O'Neill. The goal resulted from slack marking by the Longford defence who were almost caught out again in the 12th minute.

Jason Byrne was left in the clear again only to be denied by O'Brien who made a point-blank save, but superior Shelbourne eventually stretched their advantage in the 25th minute with a wonderful strike from O'Neill who planted the ball in the top corner of the net for his fifth goal in five games.

However, Longford were unlucky not to close the gap when Dessie Baker had a well-struck shot superbly saved by Shelbourne goalkeeper Dean Delaney in the 33rd minute.

The introduction of Dave Mooney, who replaced the injured John Martin on the stroke of half-time, improved matters up front for Longford who should have scored in the 52nd minute when Dean Fitzgerald shot straight at Delaney.

While that was a fortunate let-off for Shelbourne, they remained in control and their victory always looked likely. This was Longford's first home defeat since losing by the same 2-0 margin to Pat Fenlon's side on April 21st.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Kirby, O'Connor, Dillon, Prunty; Martin, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Barrett; Baker, Myler. Subs: Mooney for Martin (inj, 45 mins); Cronin for Barrett (74 mins).

SHELBOURNE: Delaney; Heary, Hawkins, Rogers, Cahill; Ryan, Ndo, Crawford, Hoolahan; J Byrne, O'Neill. Subs: Crowe for O'Neill (63 mins); S Byrne for Crawford (63 mins); Fleming for Ryan (87 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).