Shamrock Rovers missed the chance to go seven points clear atop the SSE Airtricity League table, stumbling to a scoreless draw that also confirmed UCD's relegation.
This could have been a stinging result in the title race, however the Hoops could breathe a sigh of relief after rivals Derry City fell to defeat in Sligo.
St Patrick's Athletic could now be their biggest title threat, sitting six points behind with a game in hand. That said, Stephen Bradley’s side are still firmly in the driving seat as they chase a fourth league title in-a-row.
Failing to win any of their first six games, the Hoops were slow to kickstart their title defence earlier this season. They looked like that sluggish side again tonight, even if they turned the screw late on.
While that stuttering form was soon halted, this isn’t the Rovers team of recent years. They usually have the experience to win games like this, even to win titles, but there remains a need to invest in the off-season.
Bradley and Hoops fans won’t care if they lift the league title this season, but the likely champions-elect should be putting opponents like this to the sword.
The Students have a goal difference of -63, but defended heroically as Rovers struggled to slice open a bank of 10 defensive shirts.
For 60 long minutes the Hoops created practically nothing. Rory Gaffney mis-hit an early effort inside the box, before heading another over on the stroke of half-time.
A sequence of pinball in the UCD box led to another shot, but the 2022 Player of the Year was again locked out.
The Hoops thought they had scored with 20 minutes to go, however, substitute Aaron Greene could only shake the side netting. The Tallaght side charged forward – Liam Burt’s long range effort saved well by Moore moments later.
Travelling fans voiced their frustration, not impressed with what they were watching at the UCD Bowl.
On the other hand, this was one of the results of the season for Andy Myler, who this week announced he will step down as UCD manager at the end of the season.
Despite the achievement, the end result was their relegation.
Listen to the RTÉ Soccer podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.
Watch Republic of Ireland v Northern Ireland in the UEFA Nations League on Saturday from 12.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, follow a live blog on RTÉ.ie/Sport and the RTÉ News app or listen to live commentary on RTÉ 2fm
