UCD AFC overcame Finn Harps 1-0 in the A Championship
UCD AFC returned to winning ways following recent poor results and performances. The long trip to Donegal did not look the likely place to end a losing streak but a performance of heart and skill saw the Students head back to Dublin with three points in the bag following a Tomas Boyle goal.
The first half was a scrappy affair with Danny Fallon taking control in midfield and looking to split the home defence at every opportunity. Cillian Morrison was the main benefactor as he looked to run the home defence ragged. With The Students dominating possession it was only a matter of time before UCD took the lead. Sean Russell and Stephen Doyle were continually on the front foot and looked to press home the advantage.
The last 40 minutes of the half was dominated by UCD but they had Mark McGinley to thank for keeping them in the game as early as the first five minutes. James Scallan was caught under a high ball while Tomas Boyle's boots failed him and the Finn Harps striker advanced on goal. A thunderous strike, destined for the top corner had UCD hands heading towards their heads in despair. Up step McGinley to show his incredible athleticism. A fine one handed save diverted the ball away from goal and UCD could settled again.
McGinley settled into the first half as he virtually put his feet up and watch the attacking spears do their work. Unfortunately, they seemed rather blunt as first Stephen Doyle and the Cillian Morrison managed to miss when a bulging net seemed the more likely outcome.
Nil all at half time flattered the home side as Mark McGinley in the UCD goal continued to be a virtual spectator. The second half delivered more of the same as UCD poured forward but still could not find the cutting edge. Until Tomas Boyle popped up in the opposing box to crash UCD into the lead.
A superb delivery from Sean Russell's corner was met by the supremely accurate head of Boyle and The Students had a deserved lead.
With The Harps resistance finally broken UCD continued to defend with authority and attack with speed. This brought frustration from the home side and tackles became more fierce with the referee having to be at his best to control the final stages.
UCD in the end played out the game, secured the three points and remain joint top of the A Championship.
UCD AFC: McGinley, Langtry, Scallan, Boyle, Connaughton, Doyle (Fitzgibbon), Kavanagh, Fallon, Russell, Morrison (McNelis), Roche
