Robbie Collins' early goal, coupled to bad finishing and some desperate defending, contrived to get First Division strugglers Monaghan United through to the fourth round of the FAI Cup as they utterly frustrated Premier Division side UCD in a replay at the UCD Bowl.
With UCD the favourites to advance, a lead goal for First Division Monaghan after 15 minutes gave us a cup tie to savour.
Some dalliance by College midfielder Brian King saw him dispossessed by an alert Collins and the striker matched his awareness with a composed finish, drilling a shot to the bottom right-hand corner of Matt Gregg's net.
UCD hit back and Derek Doyle kneed wide from King's corner while Kennedy pushed a King free-kick out for UCD's third flag kick on 27 minutes.
College continued to press and skipper Conor Kenna wasn't too far wide with a speculative effort from over 35 yards on 40 minutes as Mons put nine men behind the ball.
Their five across midfield proved effective, as Monaghan continued to frustrate UCD in to the second half, restricting them to long-range efforts on goal.
Monaghan then survived an amazing miss on 72 minutes when midfielder Alan McNally somehow contrived to execute a clearance rather than simply tap the ball over the line from King's cross.
The pressure remained and the chances kept coming, with another right let-off three minutes later. Monaghan captain Don Tierney with a terrific hooked clearance off the line from Derek Doyle's shot.
UCD: Gregg; Mahon, Shorthall, Kenna, Bermingham (McMillan, 41 mins); Reilly (Purcell, 72), King, McNally, Doyle; Finn (Fitzgerald, h-t), McWalter.
Monaghan United: Kennedy; Mooney, Gartland, Malone, Whelan; Maher, Tierney, McCrossan, Hand; Meenan; Collins (Lanigan, 77 mins).
Referee: Darren Coombes (Dublin).
