DESPITE conceding their first goal in matches, Shelbourne were still good enough for a comfortable victory over Drogheda at United Park last night.

Drogheda played a lot better than they had done in the cup game last week, but two superb strikes by Shelbourne's goal getters Tony Sheridan and Stephen Geoghegan early in the second half put the Dublin side in control.

Afterwards Shelbourne played with supreme confidence. Gary Howlett controlled midfield and Sheridan cheekily taunted a harassed Drogheda defence.

Sheridan scored twice but could easily have had a double hat trick, while Stephen Geoghegan did a lot of good running off the ball.

The visitors took the lead in the 29th minute with a goal by Sheridan which was set up by a good run from Geoghegan from a kick out by goalkeeper Alan Gough.

Drogheda got back into the game a few minutes before half time when Ray Duffy clumsily tackled Bobby Browne in the area and a penalty resulted. Trevor Crolly converted.

The second half started fairly evenly, but Shelbourne were quickly in front again when Declan Geoghegan this time set up Sheridan to score with a shot from about 15 yards.

The best goal of the match followed in three minutes when a long ball out of defence reached Stephen Geoghegan just outside the Drogheda penalty area and he turned and shot in one movement to John Grace no chance.

Drogheda never really gave up the fight with Robbie Browne, especially trying very hard. About 10 minutes from the finish Barry O'Connor beat Alan Gough to the ball and appeared to have scored, but somehow Ray Duffy got back to clear off the line.