Shelbourne 4 Dundalk 0:PHILIP GORMAN scored twice as Shelbourne recorded their biggest win of the season to heap further misery on hapless Dundalk at Tolka Park.

Two striker's goals from Gorman either side of half-time had Shelbourne in control before Kevin Dawson added a third and Ben McLaughlin put through his own goal.

The sodden surface played its part in the first opening of the night that fell Dundalk's way on 14 minutes. Robert Waters's flick from goalkeeper Peter Cherrie's clearance slid past defender Andy Boyle to put Michael Rafter through on goal.

The striker dinked it over the out-rushing Bennion, only to see it trickle wide of the far post.

Shelbourne deservedly took the lead on the half hour. Philly Hughes worked a one-two with strike partner Gorman to bring a fine parry save from Cherrie. But Gorman followed up and scored with a stooping header.

Shelbourne doubled their lead seven minutes after the break. Terrific full back play down the right by Gareth Matthews saw him beat his man and deliver a sublime cross which Gorman headed home.

Gorman completed his man-of-the-match display with a delightful first-time flick for the run of Dawson on 63 minutes. And the midfielder ran through to casually rifle the ball low to the net at Cherrie's left-hand post.

Substitute defender McLaughlin put through his own goal on 71 minutes.

SHELBOURNE: Bennion; Matthews, Hurley, Boyle, Fitzgerald; Cassidy (C Byrne 75 mins), Dawson, Sullivan (P Byrne 82 mins), Kavanagh (B McGill, 65 mins); Hughes, Gorman.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Walsh, Foran, Burns, Osborne; Mountney, Shields, McDonnell (McLaughlin, h/t), Waters (Brady, h/t); Rafter (Reilly, 67 mins), Griffin. Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).