Two second-half goals earned Galway United a first victory at home in the league this season.

Galway had a let-off in the 31st minute when Ciaran Martyn sent a chip shot from all of 30 yards that just dipped over the bar at the last second but the home side dominated the final stages of the first half. In injury-time, Sean Malee and Michael Quirke had 25-yard drives kept out by Barry Ryan.

Much of the second half was pedestrian as the teams tried to get a grip in wet conditions. On 58 minutes Aubrey Dolan made a vital tackle in midfield to gain possession. He fed the ball at speed to interval substitute Ollie Keogh who laid a perfect pass to Eric Lavine and he scored with a cool finish from close range. United went two up on 76 minutes when impressive new signing from Shelbourne Niall Ogden struck a perfect free kick from the right. It was parried by Ryan but Keogh slotted home his fourth goal of the season.

UCD were not finished, however. In the 89th minute their tall central defender, Clive Delaney set up striker Michael O'Byrne to score from 18 yards and then in injury time Eddie Hickey proved a key figure when he made a two-handed save at the right-hand post from Martyn.

GALWAY UNITED: Hickey; Sheridan, Morgan, O'Connor, Quirke, Malee, Dolan,, Keane, Ogden, O'Malley, Lavine. Subs: Keogh for O'Malley (halftime), Cregg for Ogden (84 mins).

UCD: Ryan; McLoughlin, Lynch, Delaney, Mahon, Mooney, Kavanagh, C Martyn, J Martin, O'Byrne, Kilmurray. Subs: Noonan for Lynch (64 mins), McAuley for Mooney (79 mins), Bennis for Kilmurray (79 mins).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).