National League/Waterford United - 3 Shelbourne - 1: Waterford United produced their best display of the season against Shelbourne at a raucous RSC last night, moving into fourth place in the Premier Division.
United substitute Willie Bruton left Shelbourne a point behind leaders Drogheda in the title race after his excellent bracein the 40th and 70th minutes.
David Mulcahy's goal 11 minutes from time, after some dazzling footwork from Jose Quitongo, ensured three points for Alan Reynolds' side, who dominated the second half.
Such a result looked unlikely after an opening half hour in which the League's European trailblazers enjoyed the better of affairs.
Shelbourne took the lead through Jason Byrne after 17 minutes following a Stuart Bryne free kick.
Six minutes later, Shelbourne came close to doubling their advantage after poor defending but Alan Moore's strike was parried well by Dan Connor. Alan Cawley latched on to the breaking ball and his 25-yard shot crashed against the crossbar.
WATERFORD UNITED: Connor, Coleman (Frost 61 mins), Carey, Mulcahy, Breen, Purcell, Quitongo, Whelehan, Murphy, Grant (Bruton, 30 mins), Waters. Subs not used: Clifford, Barnes, Holden.
SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Crawley, Doherty, Harris, Ndo (Crawford 77 mins), Cahill, S. Byrne, Moore (McCarthy, 45 mins), J Byrne, Cawley (Hoolahan, 72 mins). Subs not used: Morgan, Delaney.
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin)
