FINN HARPS remain routed to the bottom of the Premier Division after falling to their fifth consecutive defeat at Belfield Park last night.

Harps looked on course for at least a point but will have to wait another a day following an encouraging, but none the less fruitless display.

Playing up front for the first time for the visitors was under-21 international Stephen Grant, signed his week from Stockport County.

But it was UCD who carved out the majority of the chances on a calm evening.

Prior to the all important goal, Eoin Bennis had the chance to open his team's account, but only managed to find the side netting, ten minutes after the break.

Then came the all important score on 61 minutes. With Ciaran Martyn, sent off last Sunday against Galway United, converting from the spot.

Initially, the students had found the net after central defender Aidan Lynch had headed in a Brian Mooney free. But Cork referee, Tom Tully, had already spotted an infringement as the ball went in and awarded a penalty instead.

UCD: Ryan, McDonnell, Lynch, Delaney, Mahon, Mooney, Kavanagh, Martyn, McAuley, Bennis, Hanrahan. Subs: Kilmurray for Hanrahan (80 mins); Dunne for McAuley (83 mins).

FINN HARPS: McKenna, Vaudequin, Dykes, Boyle, Minnock, Mohan, McMillan, Harkin, Kenny, Mulligan, Grant. Subs: Speake for Harkin (70 mins); McGrenaghan for Vaudequin (70 mins); McHugh for McMillan (80 mins).

Referee: T Tully (Cork).