Three second-half goals from Derry City kept the Candystripes on course for three consecutive Eircom League Cup titles when they overcame the challenge of UCD at the Brandywell.
Ciaran Martyn fired Derry ahead with a dipping volley after 53 minutes.
Ten minutes later, UCD were reduced to ten men when defender Alan Mahon was dismissed for an off-the-ball foul on Killian Brennan.
Derry increased their advantage after 68 minutes when striker Kevin McHugh headed Sammy Morrow's right-wing cross into the net.
Pat McCourt completed the scoring with a sublime effort on 83 minutes. The City player ghosted past four players before firing past the UCD keeper from an acute angle.
