Shels hold off Sligo to go joint-top of the league

Shelbourne sit joint-top of the Premier Division table after three games as they battled their way to victory over Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

John O'Sullivan the only name on the scoresheet, the goal arriving on 12 minutes when Sean Gannon fired a Liam Burt cross off the former Bohemians man and beyond Bit O'Red net-minder Ed McGinty.

The victory sees Damien Duff's side hit the summit, going level on points with fellow leaders Derry City. While Sligo's search for a first win of the season moves on to their visit to Dundalk on Monday.

There were early chances at either end before Shels opened the scoring.

Skipper Mark Coyle breached the Sligo line, but the intent of his run didn't match the effort as his weak shot was easily held by McGinty.

Paddy Barrett had to divert Simon Power's cross from underneath his own crossbar shortly before the Drumcondra men hit the lead.

After a short corner, Burt floated over a cross, Sean Gannon met it at the back-post, the ball deflected off O'Sullivan - who knew little about it - before finding a way beyond McGinty for the lead goal.