Students gain first win of season thanks to Kerry own goal

The continued absence of top scorer Ryan Kelliher hurts hosts as UCD come away with a sweet victory thanks to O'Connell OG

UP NAD RUNNING: Ciaran Behan and UCD savoured a first league win of 2025. Pic: Tyler Miller/Sportsfile

Kerry FC 0 UCD 1 

UCD recorded their first league win of the season when they defeated Kerry FC at Mounthawk Park thanks to a second-half own goal by a misfiring home side.

UCD dominated the opening half but failed to make the breakthrough thanks to two superb saves by Kerry FC keeper Tim-Oliver Hiemer and some excellent defending by Chris McQueen and Niall Brookwell. Kerry FC were dangerous on the break with 17-year-old Luke Palmer looking dangerous but the home side are struggling in the scoring department due the continued absence of top scorer Ryan Kelliher.

UCD created the first chance in the third minute when Brian McManus forced Hiemer to dive full length and concede a corner.

Kerry FC created a chance of their own a minute late when Daniel Okwute was fouled but Joe Adams' free kick from 20 yards was inches over the cross bar.

UCD were on top at midfield and should have taken the lead in the 35th minute when Jack Doyle was through but Sean O’Connell denied him with a last ditch tackle. Minutes later the visitors created an even better chance but Niall Holohan was denied from close range by a superb Hiemer save.

In a rare foray into UCD territory, Kerry almost took the lead in the 40th minute when Alex Dunne sent Palmer racing over half way but his shot was deflected into the path of Okwute who shot wide.

UCD made the breakthrough in the 55th minute when Brian McManus crossed and all Sean O’Connell could do was turn the ball into his own net. Kerry made three substitutions on the hour but UCD were still in charge of what was a very disappointing contest, with the home side creating precious little and being overrun at midfield.

Kerry FC went close to getting an equalizer late on when they forced a succession of corners but UCD held out for a first win.

KERRY FC: Tim-Oliver Hiemer; Alex Dunne, Niall Brookwell, Chris McQueen, Sean O’Connell; Oran Crowe, Sean McGrath, Ronan Teahan; Daniel Okwute. Luke Palmer, Joe Adams Subs: Carl Mujaguzi for O Crowe (59), Ememeli Honkola for L Palmer (59), Kevin Williams for A Dunne (59), Robbie Keane for J Adams (75), Samuel Aladesanusi for S McGrath (80) 

UCD: Kian Moore; Luke O’Regan, Eanna Clancy, Niall Holohan, Adam Wells; Sean Brennan, Adam Verdon, Brian McManus, Ciaran Behan, Michael McCullagh; Jake Doyle. Subs: Cillian Cailloce for J Doyle (58), Michael Raggett for M McCullagh (77), Cathal McCarty for L O’Regan (77) 

 Referee: R Maher