Ryan excels

UCD goalkeeper Barry Ryan proved the hero on Saturday night, producing a string of fine saves to keep deny Finn Harps.

An acrobatic save from James Mulligan in the 18th minute was the first of many fine stops. He denied the same player again at the start of the second half with a tremendous double save and he was on hand again to deny Fergal Harkin in the 56th minute and a Mark Hutchinson effort.

Brian McKenna at the other end matched Ryan's display when he saved from Bennis early on and then made an excellent stop to prevent Ciaran Martyn in the 75th minute.

The UCD goalkeeper again frustrated Harps in the 81st minute when he made an excellent save with his legs to deny Paddy McGrenaghan. The students almost stole all three points right at the death , but while Ken Kilmurray's 89th minute shot beat McKenna, Declan Boyle was on hand to clear the effort off the line.

Finn Harps: McKenna, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Dykes, Hutchinson, Kenny, McGrenaghan, Tierney, Mulligan, Harkin. Subs: Mohan for Minnock (71 mins), Sheridan for Mulligan (76 mins).

UCD: Ryan, McLoughlin, Mahon, Lynch, Delaney, Kavanagh, Mooney, Martyn, Bennis, O'Byrne, Noonan. Subs: Kilmurray for O'Byrne (83 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).