Shelbourne's opening results send out clear message to the challengers

THE opening performances of Shelbourne in defence of their Eircom League championship title have broadcast an unmistakable message that all challengers will do well to heed.

Manager Pat Fenlon expressed satisfaction at the manner in which his new strike partnership of Jason Byrne and Glen Fitzpatrick have settled three goals is an encouraging return.

He admitted he was more delighted with the success of the defence in maintaining two clean sheets to date and commented: "We have five or six defenders who we know can come in at any given opportunity. We've been forced to make changes but our return shows the quality we have."