UCD ... 1 Shelbourne ... 3: Well-taken goals from Stuart Byrne and Tony McCarthy coupled with a superb strike from Stephen Geoghegan got Shelbourne's defence of their title up and running with this deserved win at Belfield, a result that puts the students bottom of the table.

Their fans may have reminded everyone they are the reigning champions, but Shelbourne, who began the evening bottom of the Premier Division table, scarcely showed it in a fitful first half hour. Gradually, though, Pat Fenlon's side began to dominate and were full value for their interval lead, even if it didn't come until the second minute of stoppage time.

Geoghegan had been guilty of not scoring with the best chance prior to Shelbourne's lead when, having been picked out by Ollie Cahill's ball into the area, he shot straight at Barry Ryan. Midfielder Stuart Byrne then pressed forward to shoot wide after Baker had headed down Cahill's deep cross from the right.

The goal came on 43 minutes as Byrne popped up to put Shelbourne in front. A cross from the left by Baker was only partially cleared and Byrne, showing good composure, drilled the ball low into the bottom corner of the net.

The second goal came 11 minutes into the second half when Ryan could only palm away a cross by Geoghegan following a short corner. The ball fell to the unmarked McCarthy, who side-footed to the net.

The goal of the game arrived on 69 minutes. Houlihan put Cahill's cross into the path of Baker. His first-time ball into the area was finished off by Geoghegan with a bicycle kick.

UCD: B Ryan; Mahon, McDonnell, Purdy, D Ryan; J Martin, Doolin, McNally, O'Donnell; R Martin, Doyle.

SHELBOURNE: Bennion; Heary, McCarthy, Prenderville, Crawley; R Baker, S Byrne, Crawford, Cahill; Houlihan (Gannon 87 mins), Geoghegan (Roberts 86 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).