Mikey Raggett held his nerve to net from the spot and take UCD one step closer to cementing a place in the play-offs with a 1-0 SSE Men's Airtricity First Division win over Wexford in Belfield.
It looked set to be a frustrating night for the Students, who played against ten men for 50 minutes following James Crawford’s dismissal but struggled to create clear-cut chances.
But it was Raggett who held his nerve with three minutes remaining as he coolly dispatched from the penalty spot after Robbie McCourt had chopped down Adam Brennan.
UCD made much of the early running and almost led within four minutes, only for Crawford to nick Adam Brennan’s cross from the toe of Hugh Smith.
Brennan had a chance of his own moments later as a half-cleared corner fell to him 12 yards out but he could not steer his first-time volley on target.
Wexford’s first opportunity of note nearly yielded the opening goal midway through the first half as McCourt’s header went through Dara Kavanagh’s legs.
The ball appeared to cross the line as Kavanagh fumbled to regather but, despite the visitors’ fervent protests, the game remained scoreless.
UCD retained control of the game without creating much of note, with Adam Verdon and Smith both trying their luck from range and shooting well over the bar.
Crawford was shown a second yellow card shortly before the break for a tackle from behind on Sam Norval, prompting Wexford to withdraw striker Mohammad Haris for Ryan Butler.
The second half continued in much the same fashion with the Students restricted to half-chances, centre back Declan Osagie heading Brian McManus’ cross over.
Michael McCullagh had more of an influence wide on the right and he was denied by Paul Martin at his near post as the home side produced a rare clear opening.
And the former Waterford stopper had to be at his athletic best moments later as he tipped a scorching long range effort from McCullagh over the bar.
There was little the keeper could do about McCullagh’s subsequent effort from the same distance but this time his crossbar came to the rescue.
The dam inevitably burst three minutes from time, however, as McCourt’s last ditch tackle felled Brennan in the box.
Brennan, who missed a late penalty in defeat to Dundalk seven days earlier, ceded spot-kick duties to Mikey Raggett, who sent Martin the wrong way from 12 yards.
UCD take the lead late on!
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) August 8, 2025
Mikey Raggett converts from the penalty spot. pic.twitter.com/nTUvHfywGM
Martin still had a part to play as he denied sub Louis Dignam from close range in the final minute of normal time but UCD closed out the game efficiently to take all three points.
UCD: Dara Kavanagh; Adam Wells (Louis Dignam 83), Ciarán Lennox, Declan Osagie, Brian McManus; Sam Nowval (Mikey Raggett 75), Adam Vernon (Ryan McBrearty 75), Mikey McCullah, Adam Brennan; Jake Doyle, Hugh Smith (Killian Caillose 83).
Wexford: Paul Martin; Kaylem Harnett, Robbie McCourt, Dean Larkin, James Crawford; Mikie Rowe, Matthew O’Brien (Filip Wasilewski 88), Ben McCormack, Ajibola Oluwabiyi (Calum Flynn 55); Mohammad Haris (Ryan Butler 46), Aaron Dobbs (Cian Browne 78).
Cobh Ramblers tightened their hold on second place with a 2-0 win away to chasing Bray Wanderers at the Carlisle Grounds.
Two goals in the opening 20 minutes from Cian Bargary and Barry Coffey were enough to turn the encounter the visitors' way.
What a strike by Cian Bargary! 😮
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) August 8, 2025
The Ramblers lead in Bray. pic.twitter.com/2BiOduI8G2
It's a third win on the spin for Cobh, who go five clear of Bray in third.
Elsewhere, top routed bottom as Dundalk destroyed sorry Athlone Town 6-1 at Oriel Park to maintain their lead at the top at six points.
Jason Oyenuga gave the midlanders a surprise lead after eight minutes but held the lead for a mere three as Gbemi Arubi equalised for the league leaders.
Eoin Kenny hit a brace either side of half-time, with the floodgates opening in the final 10 minutes, Ethan Vaughan scoring twice and Keith Ward also getting in on the act as Dundalk finished in style.
In the night's other game, Kieran Cooney 58th minute header gave Finn Harps a 1-0 win away to Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park.
