Soccer: UCD held their nerve last night

UCD 2 Athlone Town 1

(3-3 on aggregate. UCD won 4-2 on penalties)

UCD held their nerve from the penalty spot to salvage their Premier Division status on a night of high drama at Belfield.

College had the perfect start with the lead goal on the night after just 52 seconds.

Clive Delaney knocked down a Mick O'Donnell free-kick for Derek Swan to score from just yards out.

Alan McNevin and Stuart Connolly had good chances for Athlone before O'Donnell wasted a glorious chance to increase UCD's lead when shooting wide when well placed on 28 minutes.

Robert McAuley then punished a mistake by Town keeper Gary Connaughton to head UCD 2-0 up on 49 minutes.

Greg Costello got Town right back in it when drilling home a 71st minute free-kick to force extra-time.

The tension rose as Connaughton saved a Swan penalty after Costello handled on 112 minutes.

Barry Ryan then proved the UCD hero in the shoot-out, stopping penalties from Costello and Alan McNevin as McAuley, Swan, Alan Mahon and Robbie Martin converted to keep UCD in the top flight for a seventh season.