Shelbourne got the better of the UCD and so move within five points of fourth place St Pat's Athletic in the Airtricity Premier Division table.
The hosts started the brighter, still on a high from their huge victory away at Sligo Rovers, and pressed the shaky Shels back line from the off, but a poor opening period saw little in the way of goalmouth action, with the boisterous crowd having to wait until the 37th minute for the first shot on target, as Donal Higgins tried his luck from distance.
Shane Farrell responded for the visitors but scuffed his effort straight at Lorcan Healy from inside the area, maybe having more time on his hands than the Finglas man realised.
The always animated Damien Duff must have given his side a dressing down at the break as his side emerged a much more energetic outfit. The introduction of midfielder Brian McManus for debutant Josh Giugi at the break, resulting in a slight reshuffle gave a better balance to his side and paid dividends immediately.
Having missed an open goal moments after the restart, failing to volley into an open goal from Lorcan Healy's miscue, Sean Boyd refused to let his head drop as he grabbed his seventh of the season.
Pacey front man Jack Moylan showed quick feet to find his way into the area, cleverly cutting across UCD skipper Jack Keaney, who was forced to haul the Shels man down, resulting in the big centre half receiving his marching orders.
Boyd kept his cool, slotting the ball to the right hand corner despite Healy guessing the right way.
Boyd’s replacement Dan Carr put the icing on the cake with a brilliantly curled finish to ensure all three points went back to Tolka Park.
Damien Duff’s reds now sit just five points behind fourth place St Patrick’s Athletic, who have played a game more, and with a good run towards the end of the season could potentially push their way into the conversation for that last European spot, as unbelievable as it may have sounded at the start of the season.
But that won't be on the mind of the Reds faithful as they will celebrate their Premier division status for another season, sitting comfortably in mid-table.
Up next there’s a distraction from league duty as the FAI Cup kicks off next weekend as Shels travel to Bray and UCD host Cockhill Celtic with both sides fancying their chances at progressing.
UCD AFC: Lorcan Healy, Michael Gallagher, Evan Osam (Johnny Haist, 85’), Jack Keaney, Mark Dignam (John Ryan, 57’), Evan Caffrey, Dylan Duffy (Alex Nolan, 72’), Dara Keane, Donal Higgins (Tommy Lonergan, 57’), Sean Brennan (Alex Dunne, 57’), Sam Todd.
Subs not used: Kian Moore, Jamie Duggan, Toby Jinad, Danny Norris,
Shelbourne: Brendan Clarke, Conor Kane, Shane Griffin, JJ Lunney, Sean Boyd, (Daniel Carr, 85’), Jack Moylan, Shane Farrell, Josh Giurgi (Brian McManus, 45’), Gavin Molloy (Aodh Dervin 89’), Luke Byrne, Kameron Ledwidge (Aaron O’Driscoll, 88’),
Subs not used: Scott Van Der Slyis, JR Wilson, Adam Thomas, Gavin Hodgins, Lewis Temple Referee: John McLaughlin
