UCD and Dundalk share spoils

UCD stay rooted to the foot of the Premier Division despite earning a draw against fellow strugglers Dundalk at a windswept Belfield Bowl last night.

Dundalk came close to breaking the deadlock on 25 minutes when a corner by Nathan Murphy was headed just wide by central defender Luke Danville.

The visitors were forced into a substitution on 28 minutes when goalkeeper Ger Hanley was injured in a collision with Benson. Peter Cherrie took over in goal.

The Oriel Park men were in front on 35 minutes when, from Paul Walsh cross, winger Murphy climbed above the home defence to score with a superb glancing header from 12 yards.

College were level on 49 minutes when Ciaran Nangle’s header from a Corry corner was pushed out by keeper Cherrie only for Benson to fire home the rebound.

Substitute Chris Lyons should have given College the lead on 80 minutes but his weak finish was comfortably saved by Cherrie.

UCD: Kelly; Langtry, Leahy, D.O’Connor, Nangle; Mulhall (Douglas 76), P. O’Connor, Corry, Clarke (McNelis 51); Benson, Morrison (Lyons 73).

Dundalk: Hanley (Cherrie 28); Foran, Danville (McDonnell 82), Burns, Osborne; Walsh, Shields, Mountney, Murphy (Watts 59); Shanahan, Griffin.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin (Monaghan).