Shelbourne 4 Finn Harps 1: Shelbourne put themselves in the right mood for Wednesday's Champions League clash with Hadjuk Split in Croatia with a comfortable victory over Finn Harps in Saturday night's FAI Cup second-round clash at Tolka Park.
Inspired by goals in each half from Jason Byrne, Shelbourne always had the upper hand over their First Division opponents.
Winger Ollie Cahill gave the Dublin club the lead on 21 minutes when heading past goalkeeper James Gallagher from 12 yards after a cross from Thomas Morgan on the right.
Shelbourne then stretched their lead seven minutes later when defender Jonathon Minnock fouled Byrne as he attempted to reach a David Crawley cross.
Byrne made no mistake with the spot kick, shooting low to the goalkeeper's right for his first goal in six games.
The match was effectively over as a contest on 42 minutes when Wes Hoolahan scored with a delicate lob from the edge of the box after Byrne had created the opening.
Harps did have a 70th-minute consolation goal when substitute Gary Crossan tapped home from close range after a low cross from Chris Breen on the left.
Shelbourne were to have the final say, though, when Byrne grabbed the reigning Premier Division champions' fourth goal on 81 minutes.
The former Bray Wanderers striker made no mistake with a good finish after midfielder Stuart Byrne had supplied the opening.
SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, McDermott (Pender, 74 mins), Harris, Crawley; Cawley, S Byrne, Morgan, Cahill (McCarthy, 65 mins); J Byrne, Hoolahan (Rowe, 54 mins).
FINN HARPS: Gallagher; Asokuh, Boyle (Crossan 46 mins), Bradley, Minnock (Ferry, 29 mins); McGrenaghan, Funston, Mohan, Gorman; Bree, McHugh.
Referee: P McKeown (Dublin).
