This was another workmanlike performance from Shelbourne, who joined Shamrock Rovers in fourth spot as a result of yesterday's win over UCD at Belfield.

Tony Sheridan's 32nd-minute strike handed the visitors their second win on the trot with an out-of-sorts UCD side failing to get a shot on target over the 90 minutes.

Which was a tribute to Dermot Keely's outfit, who have sometimes fallen astray defensively.

Sheridan came close after five minutes when UCD goalkeeper Barry Ryan produced a save with his feet after the Shelbourne striker had pounced from 18 yards. .

The former Coventry City player continued to stretch the UCD defence and with half an hour gone crossed for Stephen Geoghegan, who was just a touch away from beating Ryan. However, Ryan's luck sadly ran out when Owen Heary released Richie Baker. His ball in from the right found Sheridan, whose adept side-footed strike went directly into the roof of the net.

A momentary lapse by Shelbourne nearly saw Eoin Bennis steal in at the other end but again it was Shelbourne who proved the more productive in front of goal.

And Shelbourne centre half Pat Scully was unfortunate to have his effort disallowed for offside just before half-time after he had helped the ball over the line.

This goal, had it stood, would have seen Shelbourne's leap frog over Shamrock Rovers on goal difference but things are slowly but surely improving for Shelbourne after an indifferent start to the season.