Galway Utd 2 UCD 1:On a high-stakes evening in the Eircom League UCD survived despite suffering a fourth league defeat on the spin.
Having pocketed the point that guaranteed survival at the RSC a week previously, Galway United entered this Terryland Park tussle quietly content.
It was the students who were forced to shoulder the heavy burden of pressure.
UCD's recent form has been strangely subdued: only one draw in five critical contests.
Pete Mahon's charges required a positive result on the Dyke Road, but amazingly they found themselves a goal behind inside the first minute.
Only eight seconds had elapsed when Derek O'Brien was fouled in the area by Alan Mahon, and Alan Keane stroked the penalty home with aplomb.
Still the start to the game was particularly freakish as the students restored parity after 90 seconds. Galway defender Wes Charles's attempted clearance bounced off Paul Byrne, and the ball somehow crept over the line.
The game continued to ebb and flow and Galway pinched the lead in the 17th minute when Derek Glynn confidently steered them ahead.
It was an advantage that was never relinquished as Galway closed the deal.
GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Keane, Nootimer, Lester, Charles; Murphy (Molloy, 72), Foley (Keane, 72), Russell, O'Brien (Tracey, 39); Faherty, Glynn.
UCD: Quigley; Mahon, McDonnell, Kenna, Bermingham (McNally, 85); C Byrne, Crowley, Finn, McWalter; P Byrne, Sammon (Purcell, 76).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
