Soccer: Keith Ward's free-kick three minutes from time consigned Airticity League leaders Shamrock Rovers to their fifth defeat of the season but second-placed Bohemians were unable to take full advantage. For the Students it was a valuable three points that see them pull away from third from bottom Galway United after they lost 3-0 to Dundalk.
Rovers, who ended the game with nine men, took the lead against the students at the Belfield Bowl through a Gary Twigg header from Neale Fenn’s 20th minute cross but they were pegged back when Ciaran Kilduff slotted and effort home 13 minutes later.
The sides emerged for the second half level but 19 minutes in UCD were in front when Brian Shorthall poked home after Ward’s corner.
This time it was Rovers’ turn to restore parity and they did so from the penalty spot through Chris Turner after Evan McMillan was adjudged to have handled in the box.
With scores locked at two apiece substitute Robert Bayly, on for Stephen Bradley in the 66th minute, was sent off for a foul on the edge of the box and Ward despatched the free.
There was still time for Darren Murphy to pick up his second yellow as Rovers left the door ajar for Bohs.
The Gypsies, however, did not capitalise and moved to within five points rather than three ahead of Tuesday's derby metting between the two sides, after a 0-0 draw with Bray Wanderers at Dalymount.
They too ended the game with nine men after Mark Quigley and Chris O'Connor were sent off in the 72nd and 78th minutes respectively.
Quigley was dismissed for a headbutt on Adam Mitchell, while O’Connor walked for a last-ditch foul.
At Oriel Park, Fahrudin Kuduzovic scored a second half hat-trick for Dundalk as they beat Galway United 3-0.