Finn Harps came away from Tolka Park very much the happier team on a frustrating night for the champions. The result is hardly a setback for the champions but manager Dermot Keely will welcome the return of injury-prone striker Stephen Geoghegan.

Alex Nesovic's strike 12 minutes from time decided the issue, the Yugoslav player holding his nerve to beat goalkeeper Steven Williams. And to complete a miserable night for the Shelbourne, Richard Foran was dismissed with five minutes to go following an off-the-ball incident with Shane Bradley.

Keely's selection headache was such that he was forced to play the two Baker brothers, Dessie and Richie, up front. The two, however, proved lively, Dessie in particular, and in the opening quarter hour he tested goalkeeper Gareth Downey with an angled strike.

Before that though, Harps nearly stole a precious lead when Fergal Harkin came in from the right before hitting the underside of the crossbar with a blistering strike.

Shelbourne: Williams; Heary, McCarthy, Scully, Prizeman, Byrne, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy, R Baker, D Baker. Subs: Foran for Byrne halftime.

Finn Harps: Downey; Mohan, Fitzhenry, Challender, Minnock, Kenny, O'Hanlon, Tierney, McGanaghan Harkin, Nesovic. Subs: Boyle for Moher 62 mins, Bradley for Fitzhenry 74 mins, Speake for Nesovic 79 mins.

Referee: R O'Hanlon (Waterford).