Derry City have survived in the eircom League Premier Division - for the time being at least - after a nerve jangling 1-0 over Waterford United at the RSC this afternoon.
That result condemned UCD to life into Division One, despite the Students recording a 2-0 win against Longford at Belfield.
Gavin Dykes' Derry side travelled south knowing a win would ensure safety from automatic relegation, regardless of what happened elsewhere. And the Candystripes got the vital breakthrough on just 20 minutes, Ciaran Martin netting the all-important goal.
Derry were unable to build on that foundation and the home side wrested the initiative back before half-time, threatening to grab an equaliser throughout and asking plenty of questions of the Derry defence.
The game followed a similar pattern after the break but try as the might, United could not find the breakthrough and Derry hung on for a relegation / promotion playoff meeting with Limerick, with the first leg scheduled for Wednesday evening.
Derry's elation at avoiding the drop contrasted with the gloom that descended over Belfield when news of Derry's win filtered through. Pete Mahon's side had done all they could against Longford but ultimately the damage was done over the course of the season. Now, after eight consecutive seasons in the top flight, the Students must face up to life in the second tier.
Elsewhere, Bohemians rubberstamped their runners-up spot with an resounding 3-0 win over St Patrick's Athletic while Cork City defeated Drogheda United 1-0.