Shelbourne reclaimed top spot in the Premier Division, but they had to do it the hard way in Saturday's televised clash with Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Driving rain, a swirling wind and difficult underfoot conditions conspired to make it a demanding test for the players.

For all that, it was Shelbourne who made most of the early running and Sligo goalkeeper Nicky Broujos had to be at his best to keep out goal-bound efforts from Pat Fenlon and Dean Fitzgerald.

Shelbourne finally made the breakthrough in the 32nd minute when Pat Scully headed firmly to the net from Fenlon's corner. From there to the interval, the visitors were well in control and Stephen Geoghegan twice went close to extending their lead - his glancing header from another Fenlon corner rebounded off the crossbar.

Sligo seized the initiative in the second period. Marcus Hollows was unlucky on two occasions before Sligo finally got through for a deserved equaliser in the 67th minute.

A free kick by Aled Rowlands was only partially cleared and Neil Ogden made the most of the opportunity, firing a 22-yard drive under the body of Alan Gough.

Sligo Rovers: Broujos, Cobesson, Hutchison, Reid, Birks, Hare, Ogden, Moran, Thew, Hallows, Rowlands. Sub Flannery for Rowlands (77 mins).

Shelbourne: Gough, Smith, McCarthy, Scully, Neville, Sheridan, Fitzgerald, Fenlon, Rutherford, Baker, S Geoghegan. Subs: L Kelly for Baker (50 mins), D Geoghegan for Fitzgerald (81 mins).

Referee: G Perry (Dublin).

Yesterday's clash between Sharmock Rovers and Drogheda United at Tolka Park was called off one hour before its scheduled 3.15 p.m. kickoff due to a waterlogged pitch.