Goals in the opening minutes of either half insured Shelbourne took maximum points at Tolka Park last night at Longford's expense. But once again Shelbourne saw red, as Dessie Baker was sent off in the 68th minute, following an off-the-ball clash with Longford's Alan Murphy, who was also dismissed.

It was Shelbourne's third red card in just four league games this season.

There had been just three minutes on the clock when Stephen Geoghegan headed home Shelbourne's opener and then eight minutes into the second half, Dessie Baker added the second, scoring from a tight angle, having been set free by a quickly-taken Pat Fenlon free-kick.

Longford were severely punished in the third minute. A deep Owen Heary cross was knocked back by Brian Byrne for Geoghegan to head it home. And four minutes later another Heary cross was causing problems but this time Davey Byrne failed to capitalise and headed wide.

Longford gradually came back into the game and they could easily have been back on level terms before the interval.

Twice they were denied by the woodwork. First in the ninth minute when Stuart Byrne hit the crossbar and then in the 37th minute when Alan Reynolds tried his luck from 30 yards. Sandwiched in between was a superb Alan Kirby free which went wide.

SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Minnock, McCarthy, Hutton, Fenlon, D Baker, B Byrne, D Byrne, Geoghegan, R Baker. Subs: Houlihan for B Byrne (74 mins); Fitzpatrick for Geoghegan (78 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Prunty, Reynolds, Smith, McNally, Kirby, S Byrne, Lavine, O'Connor, Gavin. Subs: Kenny for Gavin (60 mins); Perth for Smith (74 mins); Rogers for O'Connor (78 mins).

Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork).