Sligo Rovers 2 UCD 1:Paul Cooke was disappointed supporters didn't come out in greater numbers for Saturday night's crunch tie against UCD at the Showgrounds.
"This was our biggest game so far, it would have been difficult to sustain a challenge if we lost tonight.
"If we don't get the support we will not have a team in the top six," said Cooke.
One of the smallest crowds of the season witnessed a poor game.
Paul Murphy's last-gasp strike for the students was "a poor goal to give away, and clean sheets win games", added Cooke.
UCD full back Stephen McFaul was stretched off in the 77th minute with a suspected broken chin.
The injury "took the gloss off the win", said the Sligo boss.
UCD manager Pete Mahon, who was without six of his regular side, said, "We have no complaints, the better team won. Sligo are on the up, but we will have to regroup next week.
"It's been a hard time for us with difficult away games but we will try to put this result behind us," said Mahon.
Sligo got a dream start after five minutes when Australian striker Adam Hughes fired to Darren Quigley's net after good play by Fahrudin Kudozovic and Brian Cash.
Conor Sammon, who caught the eye up front for the visitors, drilled a shot wide in the 40th minute.
Keith Foy got the second from the penalty spot after 56 minutes.
Stephen McFaul was stretchered off late in the half.
There was some consolation for the students when substitute Paul Murphy scored on the stroke of full-time for the visitors' only goal against the home side in their three meetings this season.
SLIGO ROVERS: Brush, Foy, McKenzie, Ventre, O'Grady, Cash, Hughes, Coleman, Boyd, Judge, Kudozovic. Subs: Cretaro for Judge (h-t), Manson for Hughes (80), Curran for Foy (85).
UCD: Quigley, Shorthall, Kenna, McFaul, Mahon, Doyle, Byrne, Finn, Hynes, Sammon, McWalter. Subs: Purcell for Hynes (59), Murphy for Sammon (70), King for Doyle (80).
Referee: R Winters (Dublin).
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