First Division round-up: UCD dismiss Longford Town, Bray see off Wexford while Cork City continue title march

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UCD returned to winning ways in the First Division on Friday night with a 2-1 victory over Longford Town at Bishopsgate. 

But it was a costly triumph for the Students with Ciaran Behan and teenager Kyle Donoghue both forced off with injury inside the first half-hour of the game. 

They even fell behind 34 minutes when Bastien Hery’s impromptu effort on goal deceived UCD keeper Kian Moore who misjudged the flight of the ball. 

The deficit did not last long however, with Adam Wells equalising six minutes before the break with a fine header when found unmarked in the penalty area. 

And just one minute after he was brought on, striker Mikey Raggett nodded home at the back post from a Ronan Finn cross to seal all three points for UCD.

But they remain behind second-placed Athlone Town who defeated Cobh Ramblers on Friday night 2-1. 

The Co Westmeath men needed an injury time winner from Kyle Robinson to win, as the former St Patrick’s Athletic youth scored in the 91st minute. 

Leo Gaxha - a recent recruit from Galway United - opened the scoring for Athlone. 

Ramblers, who signed Regix Madika and Dylan Burke before kick-off, levelled before the half hour mark through Matthew McKevitt. 



However, Athlone had the final say and won it via Robinson at the death. 

Meanwhile, Cork City defeated Munster rivals Kerry at Turner’s Cross 2-0. 

Goals from Charlie Lyons and Barry Coffey in the last quarter of the game proved to be the difference for City - who remain 15 points clear at the summit.

Elsewhere, dominant Treaty United reignited their promotion play-off hopes following an impressive 1-0 victory over Finn Harps. 

But Tommy Barrett’s side needed a second-half penalty from Enda Curran to win.



And at the Carlisle Grounds, Bray Wanderers took a step towards securing a play-off place on Friday night with a 3-1 win over Wexford.

Despite enduring a patchy start, the Seagulls took an 18th minute lead through Kieran Cruise. 

Wexford responded instantly through Aaron Dobbs but they were behind again moments later when Kaylem Harnett turned into his own net. 

Peter Grogan’s 83rd minute insurance strike then sealed it for the Wanderers as they moved up to fourth place.   

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