U.C.D 2 - 0 Wexford Youths

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UCD stayed top of the League of Ireland First Division with a comfortable 2-0 win over Wexford Youths at the Belfield Bowl. Goals from Paul Corry and Ciarán Kilduff were enough to see off Mick Wallace’s side.

Martin Russell made two changes to the UCD starting line-up, Ciarán Nangle replacing the suspended Brian Shorthall and Chris Muhall replacing John Reilly. Similarly, Mick Wallace freshened up his side. Richie Fitzgerald, Chris Kenny and Robert Vickers were replaced by Conor Sinnott, Patsy Malone and Lee Aust.

The Students tried to stamp their authority on the game from the outset. After only just nine minutes, UCD created the first clear-cut chance of the game. A Seán Harding throw in was worked inside to Peter McMahon, who neatly turned David Breen in the penalty area, and shot wide of the near post with only Packie Holden to beat.

UCD continued to pile the pressure on Wexford. After some neat play down the left side, Dave McMillan cut inside and squared to Paul Corry, but the first year scholar's shot was brilliantly tipped over the bar by Youths' 'keeper Holden. However, from the resultant corner, Corry was not to be denied. Mulhall’s corner from the left was headed over the line by Corry despite the best efforts of the Wexford defence.

Ciarán Kilduff missed an opportunity to extend UCD’s lead shortly afterwards, heading Seán Harding’s deep cross wide. However, seconds later, Wexford had their first chance of the game. A long ball forward found Gary Sheahan, and the striker’s shot flashed just past Ger Barron’s left hand post.

But on 36 minutes, UCD got the second decisive goal. After playing the ball out of defence, the ball found its way to Chris Mulhall on the right. After beating Gareth McCurtain, Mulhall’s cross found Peter McMahon and he unselfishly pulled the ball across for Kilduff to tap home. Kilduff’s thirteenth goal of the season left UCD in control.

UCD skipper Ronan Finn came close to extending the lead for the College on 46 minutes, but Wexford’s chance to get back into the game came on 71 minutes. Gary Sheahan was again put through on goal, but as he delayed just a second too long, Evan McMillan stepped in and blocked the striker’s goal bound effort.

David Breen was pushed forward to centre forward as Wexford tried to find a way back into the game, but it was UCD who were to create the final chance of the game. Substitute Keith Ward found David McMillan, and after cutting inside, his shot just evaded the roof of the net.

As the final whistle went, news of Waterford’s defeat and the draw between Fingal and Shelbourne came through. The UCD support went home happy as their side lie top of the table by two points and with just four games to play.

U.C.D: Barron; Harding, Boyle, E McMillan, Nangle; Mulhall (Ward 78), Corry, Finn, D McMillan; McMahon (Creevy 62), Kilduff.
Subs Not Used: Brennan, Leahy, Rusk.

Wexford Youths: Holden; Russell, White, Breen, McCurtain; Aust (Broaders 59), Malone (Fitzgerald 84), Dempsey, Conor Sinnott; Sheahan, Keohane (Kenny 75).
Subs Not Used: Tiernan Rossiter, Paul Rossiter.

Referee: Graham McCabe.

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Paul Corry - Corry has only been with UCD for six week¸ his performances have been so mature that it’s hard to believe he is only 18 years old. His first goal in senior football set UCD on their way to the three points.