Champions Shelbourne rode their luck as they ground out a win reminiscent of many on their way to last season's title.

As unspectacular a victory as you could get, their third by 1-0 already this season, it maintained Dermot Keely's side's two point lead in the Premier Division. Ultimately, UCD were left to rue gifting Shelbourne the only goal after just five minutes, but were adamant the score was offside.

Alan Mahon totally misjudged a kick-out from Steve Williams to leave Richie Baker in behind him. The impish winger knocked the ball round the outrushing Barry Ryan to leave Richie Foran, clearly offside, with a simple tap-in.

It was certainly the wake up call UCD required and they effectively ran the game up to the break, and for much of the second-half, restricting Shelbourne to playing on the counter-attack.

Having said that, UCD only once seriously threatened Williams' goal before half-time, Mick O'Donnell forcing a good stop with his feet from the Shelbourne goalkeeper.

Williams then kept a sluggish Shelbourne in the game early in the second-half as UCD maintained their pressure.

Good defending by Mark Hutchison, while Ken Kilmurray glanced a header wide from a Kevin Gorgan corner, secured Shelbourne's lead as they switched to a 4-4-2 for the last 25 minutes, creating a couple of chances on the break.

UCD: Ryan; Mahon, Delaney, McAuley, McLoughlin; Martin, Kavanagh, Grogan, O'Donnell; Kilmurray, Bennis. Subs: O'Byrne and Ryan for Kilmurray and O'Donnell (69 mins.), McDonnell for Mahon (85 mins.).

SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, Scully, McCarthy, Hutchison; Byrne, Doolin, Fenlon; R. Baker, Foran, Keddy. Subs: S. Geoghegan and Prizeman for Foran and Byrne (both half-time), D. Baker for Doolin (66 mins.).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).