UCD 2 (McDonnell 22, Cawley 89) Longford Town 0
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A full-strength Longford side began the better with striker Paddy Mulvihill testing out Pat Jennings’ reflexes in the seventh minute, but with news filtering through of Derry’s lead goal at the RSC, UCD hit the front from their first attack.
Skipper Tony McDonnell, who was returning from suspension, popped up on the edge of the Town penalty area to drill a low shot past Stephen O’Brien on 22 minutes.
Gavin Whelan, nephew of former Irish international Ronnie, should have made it two just before the break, but his 37th minute headed effort was straight at O’Brien in the Longford goal mouth.
The visitors, with little to play for having secured fourth place in the table and this season’s FAI Carlsberg Cup, nearly doubled UCD’s lead by themselves on 53 minutes when a powerfully hit Vinny Perth back pass had O’Brien scuttling back towards his own goal, but he reacted in time to head wide.
Cup final hero Sean Francis was put through on Jennings by midfielder Perth with 14 minutes remaining, only to see his right-footed shot saved by the UCD net minder.
Before UCD’s third win in five games, and their seventh of the season was confirmed when Alan Cawley placed home the second from close range in the 89th minute.