Longford Town - 1 UCD - 1: Longford folk must be getting bored with their side's FAI Cup success. So much so, in fact, only 800 bothered to attend this game at Flancare Park to witness their latest defence of the trophy.
A refereeing decision was to be the main talking point after a late penalty gave UCD a scarcely deserved share of the spoils.
Longford had a great chance to open the scoring after eight minutes. John Martin created space for himself inside the area but his shot flew narrowly over Darren Quigley's crossbar.
The home side did hit the front just before the half-hour mark. Seán Dillon's corner was headed towards goal by Andy Myler and the alert Paul Keegan somehow managed to squeeze the ball past Quigley from close range.
Keegan was to have plenty of chances over the 90 minutes. One fell his way five minutes before the break. Seán Prunty was the provider, crossing for Myler, whose headed effort was stopped by Quigley. Keegan picked up the scraps and was agonisingly close to doubling the home side's lead.
UCD had their only clear-cut chance of the half seconds later. They turned defence into attack and Brian Gannon's strike whizzed just inches past the post.
Longford's Gary Cronin struck a fine effort against the crossbar in the 68th minute, after running onto Martin's pass.
UCD were thrown a lifeline in stoppage time when referee Anthony Buttimer awarded them a penalty after a tussle inside the area between home defender Danny O'Connor and UCD midfielder Pat McWalter.
Robbie Martin's superb spot kick ensured that these two sides will have to do it all again on Tuesday night in Belfield.
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; O'Connor, Dillon, Paisley, Prunty; Martin, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Cronin; Myler (Kirby 73 mins), Keegan.
UCD: Quigley; Mahon, Shortall, McNally (Hurley 58 mins), O'Donnell; McWalter, McDonnell, Dicker, Murphy(Dupuy 83 mins), Gannon; Martin (Harte 90 mins).
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork).
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