The spoils were shared at Terryland Park as Galway United and UCD produced a surprisingly open encounter.
UCD took an early lead courtesy of an opportunistic fourth minute
David McMillan goal, but Galway came back into the contest.
Anto Flood equalised in the 19th minute when nudging home a Rhys Meynell cross, and a Stephen O’Donnell penalty edged Galway in front on 36 minutes.
But UCD equalised in the 44th minute when Chris Mulhall dispossessed Barry Ryan as the Students grabbed a draw.
After an encouraging draw at Oriel Park against Dundalk, Galway United were anxious to deliver a positive performance on their home turf.
But it was the Students who made most of the early running as Martin Russell’s nifty outfit enjoyed a productive start.
Barry Ryan denied David McMillan in the second minute as UCD settled quickly with Chris Mulhall impressing in a free role.
Ciaran Kilduff forced another save from Ryan, but McMillan rattled the Galway net, steering the loose ball home from close range.
Galway’s response was impressive as Ciaran Foley smashed a shot wide from distance before parity was restored in the 19th minute.
Rhys Meynell’s left wing delivery caused panic in the area and Anto Flood appeared to get the final touch to put Galway back on terms.
The drama continued to unfold before the break as referee Graham Kelly awarded a penalty in the 36th minute when Evan McMillan handled in the area following a sharp Flood turn, and Stephen O’Donnell’s spot-kick was accurate.
But UCD responded on the stroke of half-time as Chris Mulhall
dispossessed Galway goalkeeper Ryan and the Students were level again.
A splendid 58th minute cross from Kilduff manufactured a chance for David McMillan, but Ryan was alert to save with his feet.
Then just past the hour mark Greg Bolger and Kilduff were involved, but Michael Leahy’s shot was deflected over for a corner.
Galway United: Barry Ryan; Conneely (Heary, 75), McKenzie, Synott, Meynell; Bobby Ryan, Foley (Curran, 90), O'Donnell, McBrien (Creaney, 31); Sheppard, Flood.
UCD: Brennan; Harding, Leahy, E McMillan, Shortall; Corry (Ward, 73), Bolger, Creevy (Nangle, 83); Mulhall, D McMillan, Kilduff (Wilson, 73).
Referee: G Kelly (Cork).
