Another comfortable win for Shelbourne at Tolka Park last night, this time over an outclassed Drogheda United, has given them a share of top spot in the premier division table and, perhaps more importantly, maintained their unbeaten start to the season.

Dave Campbell hit the winner just before the half hour mark, but Shelbourne had plenty of chances to take the advantage before that.

Dessie Baker was consistently dangerous from the right side of the area and Gary Haylock was combining effectively with Stephen Geoghegan to keep Drogheda goalkeeper, Gareth Byrne, on his toes. Owen Heary started the move which set up Campbell's goal. His penetrating run, from inside his own half, was played around the box before Stephen Geoghegan drifted the ball back into Campbell's path. With his first touch he sent it powerfully inside the post.

Unfortunately for Drogheda, they were unable to raise any sort of challenge in the second half. Despite making three substitutions they remained a scattered outfit and Baker should have increased the lead with two chances in the middle of the second half.

Shelbourne: Williams; Heary, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Campbell, Scully, Baker, Haylock, S Geoghegan, Fenlon, Ogden. Subs: Doolin for Campbell (88 mins); Byrne for Felon, and Van der Velden for D Geoghegan (both 90 mins).

Drogheda United: G Byrne; A Murphy, Boyle, McDonald, Maher, O'Keeffe, Coleman, M Byrne, Revins, O'Dowd, Thornton. Subs: C Murphy for Boyle (45 mins); Roche for Revins (71 mins); Butler for Coleman (76 mins)

Referee: G Perry (Dublin)