UCD 2 Kildare 1Kildare County's debut in the FAI Cup ended in defeat at Belfield Park last night as Robert Doyle's first-half brace secured the Dublin side's third-round ticket.
Dermot Keely's side could have been one down in the second minute when they conceded a penalty. Skipper Gavin Dykes brought down John Martin in the box but Doyle's effort was saved by goalkeeper Tadgh Murphy with relative ease.
UCD's opening goal came in the 26th minute as Doyle atoned for his earlier miss with a fine finish. The lead was short-lived, however, when John Ryan converted from the penalty spot a minute later, after Seán Finn had brought down Shay Zellor in the area.
On 40 minutes UCD snatched the winner. Doyle's pace proved a critical factor as he raced past Dykes to send a powerful rising shot to the roof of the net.
UCD: B Ryan; Mahon, McDonnell, Purdy, McAuley, Martin, J Finn, McNally, O'Donnell (Doolin, 81 mins), Martin (Keating 90 mins), R Doyle.
KILDARE COUNTY: Murphy, Brennan, Maher, Dykes, O'Callaghan, Zellor (Kelly 45 mins), Whelahan, C O'Connor, G Doyle, J Ryan (McCann 60 mins), Gorman (O'Connor 45 mins).
Referee: D McKeon (Dublin)
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