First half strikes from David McAllister, Derek Doyle and skipper Damien Brennan moved Shelbourne five points clear at the top of the First Division table.

 

Midfielder McAllister shot home a tenth minute penalty to give Shels the lead with his seventh goal in seven games.

 

Doyle then finished off a fine move to double Shels lead on 38 minutes before Brennan rowed in with a header just on the blow of the interval.

 

Michael Synnott and Anto Flood also hit the woodwork for Shels in the second half as Monaghan avoided a hiding ahead of Monday's FAI Ford Cup replay at St. Patrick's Athletic.