They opted for the help of a strong wind in the first half, hoping to give the visitors a few problems, but in the event United took a comfortable three-goal cushion into the break.
The expected second-half onslaught never happened with United contented to cruise towards the final whistle after they had increased their lead to four from the penalty spot.
The home side's first wind-assisted goal attempt came from a David Dunn free-kick which sadly lacked direction and failed to worry United keeper Lukasz Zaluska.
United were looking dangerous on the break but their early attempts to provide crosses into the box lacked the necessary quality.
Willo Flood eventually provided a dangerous low cross which was confidently handled by Shire's teenage keeper Jamie Newman.
United's pressure eventually paid off after 15 minutes with a well-worked goal.
Paul Dixon started the move with a run from halfway before picking out Jon Daly, whose lay-off across the edge of the area was tucked away by Prince Buaben.
Shire had a promising move halted by Brian Graham straying offside, but they came close shortly after when a corner kick was headed clear by the defence to Andy Rodgers, whose first-time effort was just wide of the post.
United increased their lead in the 40th minute when Dixon's in-swinging corner was headed in by Darren Dods with the Shire's central defenders providing no cover for their young goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, United got another with a good move up the right which resulted in overlapping full-back Sean Dillon providing the classic cross for Daly to head home a deserved goal.
Early in the second half, Craig Tully upended Johnny Russell as he weaved his way into the penalty box and the United player dusted himself down to score from the resulting penalty.
Newman proved his worth in the second minute of injury time when he denied Daly what looked like a certain fifth goal after saving with his feet.