Once again last night league leaders Shelbourne raised their game sufficiently to get the better of the opposition at Tolka Park. They did enough but barely, a habit they have now off to a tee. While Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers moved above Cork into second place, a solitary Pat Fenlon goal kept Dermot Keely's side comfortable at the top. For stretches the first half resembled a turkey shoot. But the home side, despite their commanding league position, showed a characteristic inability to turn the almost comical amount of chances they created into a decent-sized lead. That Shelbourne did not create more chances was largely down to Wesley Charles's willingness to throw his considerable bulk about and referee Hugh Byrne's readiness to turn a blind eye to it.

Once again the Baker brothers, Richie and Dessie, were Shelbourne's most menacing element. Yet again Garry Haylock failed to make the sort of impact expected. Pat Fenlon's goal came in the 40th minute after good work by both right full Owen Heary and the winger in front of him, Richie Baker. The strike should have been disallowed for Baker had clearly wandered a yard or two offside before the through ball was played.

Sligo Rovers, who seemed to be warming to the idea of a scoreless draw, began to look more positive immediately after the score. When some Shelbourne players decided to get in on the defensive buffoonery lark in first-half injury time, Sean Flannery made the most of it, pushing the ball short to Padraig Moran, who drove over from 15 yards.

When the teams returned the balance continued to shift. Sligo continued to survive by the skin of their teeth around their box, it was definitely Shelbourne goalkeeper Steve Williams who was under the greater pressure during the second period. The Welshman made one outstanding stop from Moran late on.

Shelbourne brought on Dutchman Carl Van der Velden to shore things up in the centre, but the midfielder lasted only 28 minutes. As he departed, replaced himself by Dave Campbell, he made his displeasure plain by throwing his tracksuit top at the bench and heading straight for the showers.

So another three points for Shelbourne, whose position at the top is further consolidated.

SHELBOURNE: Williams; Heary, Scully, McCarthy, D Geoghegan; R Baker, Doolin, Fenlon, Keddy; Haylock, D Baker. Subs: van der Velden for Doolin (58 mins); Campbell for Van Der Velden (86 mins).

SLIGO ROVERS: Broujos; Rossiter, Charles, Sheridan, Lynch; Shannon, Birks, O'Grady, Bonar; Moran, Flannery. Subs: El Khaliffi for Shannon (73 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).