On this display it is difficult to accept that these sides are so polarised in the league table because, if anything, United had the better of their opponents and looked far more dangerous in front of goal.
In the first half Pat Fenlon and Tony McCarthy had early opportunities to open Shelbourne's account, before Derek McGrath volleyed a Gerard Stirling cross just wide of the upright on the quarter hour.
Shelbourne never troubled goalkeeper Michael Devine for the second half of the first period, but Kevin O'Brien, Karl Gannon, Stirling and Alan Kirby kept Steve Williams busy between the visitors' posts.
WATERFORD UNITED: Devine, Smith, Hyslop, Derek McGrath, Tim McGrath, Riordan, Kirby, O'Brien, Gannon, Griffin, Stirling. Sub: Iorsa for Griffin (60 mins).
SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Byrne, McCarthy, Campbell, Scully, Dessie Baker, Haylock, Geoghegan, Fenlon, Ogden. Subs: Van de Valden for Campbell (half time); Richie Baker for Ogden (57 mins); Powell for Geoghegan (inj 64 mins). Powell retired injured 86 minutes leaving Shelbourne with 10 men.
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
