UCD 3 - 0 Dundalk

Our much talked about Indian Summer brought monsoon weather to Dublin tonight and UCD’s Belfield Bowl was not spared. However, despite the unrelenting rain, Martin Russell’s home charges delivered a classy 3-0 victory over a depleted Dundalk ensuring their fans went home warm and happy on the inside, if a little damp on the outside.

Both teams had problems in the first few minutes. Getting control of the ball and stringing passes together proved difficult as the players struggled to get to grips with the wet and slippery conditions. Unfortunately for Ian Foster and Dundalk, it was not long before the home team found some rhythm.

In the first ten minutes UCD’s Dean Marshall found some joy combining with full back Hugh Douglas on the right hand side on numerous occasions. The winger was lively but frustrated as he struggled to find a final ball to either Stephen Doyle or Graham Rusk up front.

After 12 minutes Paul Corry had the Students’ first serious crack at goal. Finding space in central midfield, Corry advanced and struck a low shot along the greasy surface from just outside the Dundalk area. The ball beat the outstretched Paul Murphy but continued wide past his right stick.

The Lilywhites threatened only a few minutes later at the other end. UCD captain Michael Leahy gave away the ball 25 yards from goal and Greg Bolger picked up the loose ball. Spotting goalkeeper Mark McGinley off his line, Bolger tried a lob from distance but could only watch as his effort sailed just over the bar.

Paul Murphy’s goal was in danger again after 20 minutes. Again the Dundalk defence retreated deep, this time leaving Paul O’Conor with the time and space to work Murphy who saved well down to his right.

Only sporadic breaks provided respite for Dundalk in the first half as UCD enforced their passing game upon their opponents. Their best chance of the period came after half an hour when Greg Bolger saw his snap shot blocked around the penalty spot.

UCD’s dominance finally paid dividends when they went ahead ten minutes before the break. A teasing Marshall corner floated towards the edge of the Dundalk six-yard box and David O’Connor rose highest to head down into the bottom corner. It was just reward for their constant attacking endeavour.

They doubled their lead only five minutes later from a sweeping counter-attack. Dundalk lost possession in the final third and Marshall broke away, swiftly feeding Douglas who powered down the right hand side. Douglas then calmly squared to Paul O’Conor who slotted home from eighteen yards.

Only one team were exerting themselves at this point as the men in blue confidently played rondo rondo rondo passing football and they nearly made it three just before the break. Dundalk again seemed happy to allow space in midfield and Paul Corry tried his luck from distance. His daring shot beat Murphy but sailed just wide.

Dundalk looked more comfortable when they came out after half time but still sat deep. They forced UCD to engage with probing balls into the area but could not create an opening. Indeed, they came closest to pulling one back when David O’Connor nearly headed into his own net when trying to defend a Dundalk corner ten minutes after the restart. Luckily for O’Connor his blushes were saved by his goalkeeper.

Ross Gaynor had another chance to get his team on the score sheet on the hour when Ross Gaynor was played in inside Daniel Ledwith at left back. He snatched at his chance though and could only fire over the bar.

There were chances at both ends though, and every time the visitors showed intent their hosts would return in kind. Substitute Chris Lyons got behind the Dundalk defence on 67 minutes, pulling it back to Corry. The midfielder crossed to the back post for Graham Rusk but could only head into the ground and watch the ball bounce into the ready arms of Murphy.

Lyons finally sealed the win with on 77 minutes. Another incisive break saw fellow substitute Dean Clarke advance down the right hand side. His low cross found Lyons at the back post who tapped in for his second goal in UCD colours.

As the final minutes played out, Martin Russell’s side looked more likely scorers. Lyons made an opportunity for himself in front of the rattled Dundalk centre backs but pulled the ball wide

McGinley was finally called into action by an opposition player with the last action of the game, sprawling at the feet of Carl McHugh. It was far too late for Dundalk, who are without a win since July. UCD, in stark contrast, are finishing the season strongly. They will present problems for the title chasing sides they are due to confront over the next few weeks.

UCD: Mark McGinley; Hugh Douglas, David O’Connor, Michael Leahy, Daniel Ledwith; Dean Marshall (Dean Clarke, 71), Paul Corry, Paul O’Conor, Darren Meenan; Graham Rusk (Barry McCabe, 89), Stephen Doyle (Chris Lyons, 59).

Subs not used: Mark Langtry, Danny Fallon, Ger Barron, Samir Belhout.

Bookings: None.

Dundalk: Paul Murphy; Simon Madden, Carl McHugh, Cian Byrne, Nathan Murphy; Greg Bolger, Ross Gaynor, Stephen McDonnell (Chris Reilly, 73), Keith Ward; Johnny Breen, Jason Byrne.

Subs not used: Peter Cherrie, Philip Duffy, Conor McDonald.

Bookings: Ward (68), Bolger (80).

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan)

Attendance: 300 (estimate)

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: UCD's Paul O’Conor bossed midfield and added a goal for his side.