Ger McCarthy salvaged Shelbourne's unbeaten start to the league season to keep them five points clear at the top of the table.

Blues took a shock fifth minute lead when Gary O'Neill punished hesitancy by Kevin Doherty to get around the Shels defender and poke past Steve Williams.

Shels levelled on 49 minutes with a solo effort from McCarthy; a goal in his first start.

Daryl Murphy could have won it late on for Blues, but blazed a real chance over the top before forcing Williams into a great stop in the final minute.

The point nonetheless moves Blues back up to second for the moment at least.