Shelbourne 0 Dundalk 3: FIRST DIVISION form flew out the window at Tolka Park as second-placed Dundalk knocked league leaders Shelbourne out.
A penalty from Trevor Vaughan and two second half goals from sub Paul Crowley was enough for Dundalk to progress.
A moment of madness from the experienced James Keddy paved the way for the first goal after 17 minutes. A prone Keddy stuck an elbow out at the passing ball and Vaughan sent Dean Delaney the wrong way from the spot.
Shels were reduced to ten men after 37 minutes when Alan Keely was dismissed for an off the ball push on Robbie Martin.
Shels pressed in search of an equaliser and Chris Bennion produced a stunning save from James Chamber's shot. The victory was sealed by sub Crowley who fired into the bottom right corner on 70 minutes and Crowley's second late on sealed a fine win.
SHELBOURNE: Delaney, Murphy, Keely, Brennan, Keddy (Mulcahy, 79 mins), Chambers, O'Brien, McGill, Rutherford, Flood (Dunne, 85 mins) Freeman (Hughes, 56 mins).
DUNDALK: Bennion, Marney, Grimes, Crawley, Whelahan, Shiels, Duffey (Crowley, 65 mins), Cassidy, O'Connor (Smyth, 84 mins) Vaughan (Mulvenna, 79 mins) Martin.
Referee: T Connolly