Martin Russell's UCD outfit finished with a real flourish to secure a
vital victory at the UCD Bowl.
UCD hit the front in the 53rd minute when Daniel Ledwith squeezed a powerful shot past Chris Bennion's despairing dive.
But Monaghan were gritty and they levelled on 69 when Conor Murphy headed home Jordan Keegan's clever cross.
Cillian Morrison (80) and Paul O'Connor (88) had UCD back in control before Jordan Keegan pinched a late consolation for Monaghan.
Ultimately UCD shaded an action packed clash with a Monaghan United side that came to the capital to attack. UCD, though, were a bit more clinical in front of goal which is why they earned the full complement of spoils.
Following last week's loss to Sligo Rovers, Roddy Collins declared that Monaghan's season would be decided in the tussles against UCD, Dundalk, Bray Wanderers, and Drogheda United. That meant that Monaghan were completely aware of how significant a contest this was in Belfield.
Having now won seven out of their last eight league fixtures on home turf, Russell's charges are clearly comfortable at the campus venue.
Knowing that this was a vital encounter, Monaghan were anxious to probe early on, and with Jordan Keegan impressive, the visitors settled quickly.
Collins' 4-4-2 formation was causing the understrength students problems with Keegan repeatedly drifting in from the right craving involvement.
For all Monaghan's industry, chances were scarce in the opening period as UCD's depleted defence were cool initially. Monaghan eventually went close in the 24th minute when Keegan's inviting corner found Alan Byrne, but UCD custodian Mark McGinley made a smart save.
Moments later Robert Bayly, a key figure in the centre of the park,
fizzed a long-range effort wide as Monaghan sought to land a blow.
UCD spurned an opportunity themselves on the half-hour mark
as Daniel Ledwith's 25-yard shot trickled wide.
Then in the 34th minute Monaghan were lucky to survive a real scare
as Graham Rusk's right-footed attempt clattered off the woodwork.
Three minutes after the restart Keegan forced McGinley to make another
reflex save as Monaghan sought to regain the initiative.
But the visitors were rocked in the 53rd minute when Robbie Benson
provided the assist for Ledwith to slam UCD ahead with a delightful
finish from outside the area.
Monaghan levelled in the 69th minute when Keegan's centre was expertlyheaded home by Conor Murphy.
Morrison chipped UCD ahead again on 80 minutes following a cross from substitute Mark Langtry and then Paul O'Conor added a third on 88.
Keegan replied with a stoppage-time consolation, but UCD held out for a critical triumph.
UCD: Mark McGinley; Hugh Douglas (Michael Leahy, 77), James Kavanagh, David O'Connor, Ciaran Nangle (Mark Langtry, 77); Paul O'Conor, Daniel Ledwith, Robbie Benson; Chris Mulhall, Graham Rusk (Dean Clarke, 60), Cillian Morrison.
Monaghan United: Chris Bennion; Roddy Collins (Michael Isichei, 85), Aiden Collins, Alan Byrne, Conor McMahon (Jason Marks, 66); Jordan Keegan, Robert Bayly, Stephen Maher, Gareth O'Connor; Conor Murphy, Owen Humphrey (Tony Griffiths, 60).
Referee: Anthony Buttimer (Cork).
