Bohemians 2 UCD 0: Bohemians continued their surge for a European spot with a comfortable victory over UCD at Dalymount Park last night.
First-half goals from Michael McGinley and Darren Mansaram were enough for Seán Connor's team as they prepare to meet Cork City in the FAI Cup semi-finals on Friday night.
With Cork losing at home to St Pat's, Bohemians have now leapfrogged the Leeside men into third position in the table.
The home side made a great start and were a goal to the good after just four minutes. After an injury-hit season Harpal Singh was making only his third start, but he sent in the cross that was met by McGinley at the far post and McGinley powered a header beyond the outstretched palm of Matt Gregg.
UCD had their moments and Fran Moran nearly produced an equaliser when Owen Heary cleared his shot off the line midway through the opening half, but the game was as good as over in the 38th minute when Mansaram put the home side two up.
BOHEMIANS: Murphy; Heary, McGuinness, Pooley, Powell; McGinley, Hunt (O'Donnell, 68), McCann, Singh (Richardson, 68); Mansaram (Harkin, 60), Crowe.
UCD: Gregg; Shorthall (Doyle, 73), McMillan (Kenna, 63), McNally, Bermingham; McWalter, McDonnell, King, McFaul (Finn, 41), C Byrne; Moran.
Referee: T Connolly(Dublin)