Derek Swan, the oldest player on the Brandywell pitch, was hailed the UCD hero yesterday. The veteran striker's goal moving his side five points clear of relegation.
And it was all UCD deserved, particularly after their determined first-half performance which had an out of sorts Derry City in serious difficulty.
Swan, who was given a new lease of life by UCD boss, Martin Moran, displayed his predatory instincts in the 18th minute when latching onto a loose ball after Derry keeper, Gary Ramsey, did well to block Robert McAuley's powerful shot.
The home side, who clearly struggled throughout the opening period, did eventually get their act together when switching to a 3-4-3 formation in the second half, but it was UCD who should have doubled their lead in the 55th minute.
Ciaran Martyn scampered clear on the right flank and while his inch perfect cross was headed goalwards by Swan, Ramsey spared any further Derry blushes with another top drawer stop.
Derry may have dominated the territorial exchanges after the break but with UCD placing so many players behind the ball, their scoring chances were at a premium.
In fact, the home side's best chance of restoring equality arrived in the 80th minute when Sean Hargan's angled shot beat keeper, Barry Ryan, but Ciaran Kavanagh was well positioned to block the ball.
Afterwards, a delighted Martin Moran heaped praise on his players for their effort and commitment, suggesting that this victory could prove a major turning point for his club this season.
"We've had so much bad luck before the break due to the Foot and Mouth crisis when we conceded very late goals, but today we kept a clean sheet and, hopefully, it could prove a major turning point in our season," he said.
DERRY CITY: Ramsey; Harkin, Hutton, McCallion; Doherty, Hegarty, McLaughlin, McCready, Hargan; Coyle, McCaul. Subs: Quigley for Hegarty (37 mins.), Gallagher for McCready (74 mins.), Parkhouse for Harkin (80 mins.)
UCD: Ryan; McNally, McAuley, Delaney, O'Donnell; Martin, Kavanagh, McDonnell, Martyn, O'Meara; Swan. Subs: Bennis for Martin (75 mins.).
Referee: P Whelan (Dublin)
