League of Ireland Premier Division/ UCD 2 Bray Wanderers 0: There is no escaping the fact this was a desperately poor game, not that Pete Mahon will mind after seeing his side grind out their second successive victory.
Pretty it certainly wasn't but points, of course, are the only currency worth pocketing and UCD will improve from this. Bray, though, face a difficult season on this evidence.
That said, there was no lack of effort on the field but cringing errors littered lengthy spells of this contest. The frantic pace at which the game started was maintained throughout the first half, ensuring limited space with which to operate.
Still, Bray's three-man midfield was particularly tenacious and made life difficult for their opponents.
But despite their possession, surges forward lacked penetration and defender Alan McNally was always equal to the task.
The way the hosts dismantled Waterford last weekend was impressive but despite making just the one change they failed to replicate that performance here. Conan Byrne, though, should have put them ahead but, having scooped the ball past goalkeeper Steve Williams on the half-hour, he failed to control and Chris Deans scrambled the ball to safety.
Although that opportunity was poorly executed it shook UCD from their slumbers. Attacks thereafter were well constructed and Evan McMillan's close, diving header signalled their intent.
With stern words from Mahon ringing in their ears, UCD dominated the second half and their goal on the hour was just reward for their change in attitude. Substitute Derek Doyle slalomed past two meek challenges before nonchalantly tucking the ball past Williams from 12 yards.
Despite emptying their bench, Bray lacked the guile to salvage a point. A lack of firepower up front has hurt them to date and notwithstanding Andrei Georgescu's late header hitting the post they rarely, if at all, tested Matt Gregg. Substitute Conor Sammon then compounded the visitors' misery five minutes into injury time when picking his spot superbly having controlled a long free kick.
UCD: Gregg; Mahon, McNally, McMillan, Kenna; C Byrne, Crowley, King, Oprea; P Byrne, Purcell. Subs: Doyle for Oprea (half-time), Sammon for Purcell (76 mins).
BRAY WANDERERS: Williams; Deans, Tresson, Delaney; Kenny, Cousins, Cawley, Duggan, David Tyrell; Georgescu, Dunphy. Subs: Derek Tyrell for Delaney (55 mins), O'Shea for David Tyrell, Gough for Cousins (both 66 mins).
Referee: P Tuite (Dublin)
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