Cork City ... 3 UCD ... 2 Cork City were fortunate to maintain their winning start to the new League season at Turner's Cross where an estimated 4,500 spectators enjoyed a lively contest.

The home side benefitted from a high-powered opening phase when John O'Flynn, their summer signing from Peterborough United, struck after 14 minutes. The goal followed a free from halfway by Gareth Cronin.

Cork were comfortably in control until Cronin mis-timed his jump at a long clearance from Alan Mahon and the ball skidded off the top of his head allowing Robbie Martin to score.

UCD punched holes in Cork's defence as they gained control in midfield and, after Alan McNally had been tripped by Alan Bennett, it needed an outstanding penalty save by Michael Devine from Martin to deny him a second goal in the 28th minute.

Cork manager Liam Murphy then introduced Billy Woods and it paid a quick dividend. Colin O'Brien linked with Alan Carey on the right and his deep cross was volleyed right-footed into the net by Woods for a half-time lead..

Cork should have had the points in safe-keeping after they stretched the margin with a breakaway goal after 71 minutes. David Warren's long clearance released O'Flynn and with UCD waiting in vain for an offside decision, the centre-forward waltzed past goalkeeper Barry Ryan.

UCD were back in the match after a controversial second penalty decision by referee Jimmy O'Neill. He booked Carey for what he classed a tackle from behind as Robbie Doyle shot wide under pressure. Doyle took over the penalty duties from Martin to keep the issue alive.

CORK CITY: Devine; Carey, Napier, Cronin, Horgan; Mulconry (Woods 34), O'Brien (Reynolds 53), Bennett, Warren; O'Callaghan, O'Flynn.

UCD: Ryan; Mahon, McDonnell, Purdy, McAuley; Whelan (Delaney 71), McNally, Finn, O'Donnell; Martin, Doyle.

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).