UCD - 0 Shelbourne - 2 A first goal of the season from Republic of Ireland under-21 international Wesley Hoolahan helped to secure three points for leaders Shelbourne over UCD at Belfield Park last night.
Having put his side ahead just three minutes after the restart, Hoolahan played a delightful ball through to find Richie Baker, who doubled the advantage in the 77th minute.
But it was the all-important opening goal which proved so crucial, and it has to be said there was a touch of fortune to it.
The ball fell invitingly for Hoolahan after Thomas Morgan had miskicked his effort, leaving the former Belvedere star the simple task of stroking the ball home past Pat Jennings.
The best chance of the first half came in stoppage time for the home side. A flowing move involving Hugh Davey and Robert Martin saw Sean Finn test Steve Williams, who was forced to dive low to save.
Earlier, Williams had been beaten but he was grateful to see Alan McNally's 25-yard drive skim the top of the crossbar.
Although Shelbourne had enjoyed the majority of possession, they posed little threat to the UCD goal.
UCD: Jennings, Sullivan, Ryan, Donnelly, Whelan, McNally, J Martin, McDonnell, R Martin, Finn, Davey. Subs: Griffin for R Martin (65 mins); Gallen for Finn (79).
SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Crawley, T McCarthy, Doherty, Crawford, Cahill, Morgan, J Byrne, Hoolahan, R Baker. Subs: Oakes for Crawford (56); G McCarthy for Doherty (79).
Referee: Alan Kelly (Cork)
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