A late winner by substitute John Sharkey stunned Shelbourne and their supporters at Tolka Park last night. The game was over three minutes into added time when David Martin played Sharkey - brought on in the last minute of normal time - in and he tapped the ball past goalkeeper Alan Gough. It appeared that Stephen Geoghegan's penalty in the 72nd minute would save Shelbourne from their third straight league defeat after Dundalk had opened the scoring in the 24th minute. Ray Campbell sent a sweeping cross from the left onto the head of Martin, who did well to direct it just inside the post.

Shelbourne upped the tempo and the pressure paid off when Padraig Gollogley pulled down Declan Geoghegan. Brother Stephen made no mistake with the spot kick.

Pat Scully and Dessie Baker had good chances in the closing stages but it was left to Sharkey to cause the upset.

Shelbourne: Gough, Heery, D Geoghegan, McCarthy, Doolin, Scully, D Baker, Fenlon, Sheridan, S Geoghegan, Costello. Sub: R Baker for Heery (45 mins).

Dundalk: Williams, Reddish, Crawley, Fortune, Gollogley, Melvin, Campbell, Brennan, Ward, Martin, Dunne. Sub: Sharkey for Brennan (89 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Waterford).