UCD recorded their second win of the season as they defeated Sligo Rovers 2-1 in the UCD Bowl.
UCD were full value for their win with goals from Robbie Benson and Graham Rusk giving them a 2-0 lead.
A late own goal from Ciaran Nangle ensured a nervy finish but the Students held on for win.
For Sligo Rovers this was their third defeat in the league and they have now lost their last three games in all competitions.
UCD dominated the first half and deservedly took an early lead in the 8th minute, when a Dean Marshall corner from the left that was powerfully headed home by Robbie Benson.
Richie Ryan and Iarfhlaith Davoren did have chances for the visiting Sligo but both were unable to trouble Ger Barron in the UCD goal.
Indeed, it was UCD who went closest to scoring again when in the 40th minute Darren Meenan set-up Marshall but his effort with the outside of his foot hit off the post. Benson's follow-up was well saved by Sligo Rovers keeper Brendan Clarke.
Sligo had the first chance of the second half when Joseph N’Do headed wide from a Ryan corner.
The visitors then spurned a fine chance to draw level in the 57th minute. Eoin Doyle chased down a long ball and got to it ahead of Barron. He then squared the ball for Rafael Cretaro who managed to completely mishit his effort with the goal at his mercy.
That miss was further compounded two minutes later as UCD doubled their lead. Marshall with a snap shot from the edge of the box that deflected off Gavin Peers into the path of Rusk who swept it into the net.
Sligo did get themselves back into the game in the 83rd minute. Davoren with a high ball in from the left which Matthew Blinkhorn pulled back across the face of goal with the ball deflecting off Nangle and into the net. That ensured a frantic finish but UCD held on for the win.
UCD: Ger Barron, Paul O’Conor, Ciaran Nangle, Yael Haro, Michael Leahy, Paul Corry, Dean Marshall, Robbie Creevy (Daniel Ledwith 62), Graham Rusk (Samir Belhout 76), Robbie Benson, Darren Meenan.
Sligo Rovers: Brendan Clarke, Alan Keane, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Gavin Peers, Jason McGuinness, Richie Ryan, Joseph N’Do (Aaron Greene 76), John Russell, Rafael Cretaro (Matthew Blinkhorn 69), Eoin Doyle, John Dillon (Daryl Horgan 60).
