Shelbourne beat their Tolka Park tenants Shamrock Rovers last night to register their first league win of the year.

Richie Baker got the winner but midway through the first half after Shamrock Rovers skipper Paul Whelan had floored him with a late tackle. Whelan was sent off by Cork referee Tom Tully.

Shelbourne's score came after 12 minutes when Declan Geoghegan freed Richie Baker on the left and his low drive gave Tony O'Dowd no chance.

Tony Sheridan twice came close in the second half, his second effort a spectacular volley which just went over the crossbar. At the other end Derek Tracey almost snatched a dramatic equaliser.

Shelbourne: Gough, Heery, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Scully, Doolin, Fenlon, D Baker, R Baker, Sheridan, S Geoghegan. Sub: Fitzgerald for Fenlon (26 mins).

Shamrock Rovers: O'Dowd, Britton, Dunne, Brazil, Whelan, Woods, Tracey, Morrisroe, Purdy, Sherlock, Cousins. Subs: Colwell for Morrisroe (51 mins), Markey for Sherlock (73 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).