The contrast in styles of Finn Harps and UCD cancelled each other out on Saturday night in this lifeless encounter in Ballybofey.
The students will, however, be happy enough with their point, and with a bit of luck they could have taken all three.
Finn Harps, who have yet to win at home this season, looked jaded and used the long ball far too often. Even when Davy Dowling left the field injured, they continued to loft high balls forward, to the delight of UCD towering defenders, Tony McDonald and Clive Delaney.
The home side only threatened the UCD goal once and that effort came as early as the fourth minute. Declan Boyle's long ball found James Mulligan, but with only the keeper to beat, he allowed the ball to run harmlessly wide.
Ten minutes later, the students forced Brian McKenna into action, first to tip away Eamon McLoughlin's attempted chip and then seconds later to save Michael O'Donnell's deflected effort.
Defences were well on top in the second half and apart from a couple of half chances each, neither side looked as if they would score.
Finn Harps: McKenna, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Dykes, Kavanagh, Mohan, Flood, Kelly, Mulligan, Dowling. Subs: Speak for Dowling (23 mins), Bradley for Kelly (62 mins), McGrenaghan for Vaudequin (77mins).
UCD: Ryan, McLoughlin, McAuley, Delaney, McDonald, Lynch, Kavanagh, Mahon, O'Beirne, Bennis, O'Donnell. Subs: Kilmurray for Bennis (87 mins).
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin).
David Butty will finally start on the comeback trail of Newcastle tomorrow. Batty has been sidelined through an ankle problem and suspension.
