UCD AFC picked up another 3 points in the Under 19 league with a 3-1 win over St Patrick's Athletic in Richmond Park.
UCD AFC moved closer to the summit of the Under 19 National League with another three points. First half goals from Robbie Murray and Dean Clarke set UCD up
well at the break. Pats missed a chance to get themselves on level terms at the break but missed a penalty. With the score at 2-1 in the second half, Glen Trainor put the game out of sight.
The game began with both sides settling into the game straight away threatening to take the lead early on. There were chances at both ends in the first ten minutes but nothing to seriously challenge either keeper. The ball was in the back of the net after 12 minutes when Robbie Murray finished experlty to leave the Pats' keeper with no chance. A cracking ball into the box eluded the defenders and Murray was alert to take his chance expertly.
Pats then passed up their opportunity to get back on level terms when they missed a penalty. Ryan Matthews was adjudged to have tripped the advancing Pats player in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Niall Corbett set himself in the UCD goal before the St Patrick's Athletic striker smashed his effort wide.
This missed opportunity spurred on the away side and The Students extended the lead not long afterwards. Robbie Slater was controlling the midfield and his inch perfect ball through the home defence slipped neatly into the path of the onrushing Dean Clarke. His composure and skill brought him into the box and the keeper was left with no chance as Clarke found the back of the net with ease.
Pats dragged themselves back into the game through a moment of individual brilliance. The home winger dashed into the box and angled a shot across goal that flew into the back of the net. Pats sensed they had a chance to get back into the game and poured forward accordingly.
The UCD defence stood firm and looked to spring forward themselves at every opportunity. Second half substitute Glen Trainor took possession in centre midfield and picked a perfect ball for Ross King who found himself in the clear. Once again the St Pats keeper was faced with the almost impossibe task of trying to stop an onrushing UCD striker. The result was the same as before and King sealed another UCD win.
Robbie Slater and Ross King were the stand out performers in a game that UCD could well have drawn but the class on show from UCD's strikers proved to be the difference.
To see more photos from the game courtesy of Darragh Connolly click here
UCD AFC: Corbett, Collins, Kavanagh, Matthews, Russell, Fitzgibbon, Slater (Douglas), O'Donoghue, Murray (McLaughlin), Clarke (Trainor), King
