- Alan Finn
- Tue, May 22 2012
Sligo Rovers unbeaten streak was brought to an end at the Belfield Bowl on Monday evening after UCD recorded a 1-0 victory over the League leaders courtesy of a Graham Rusk header.
UCD could have taken the lead inside the first minute when Graham Rusk had the goal at the mercy, but somehow the striker managed to scoop the ball over the bar just a couple of yards out.
UCD were really enjoying most of the attacking play and had another opportunity to score when Tyrone McNelis set up Robbie Benson, but he couldn't get a clean strike on the ball. Moments later the Bit O'Red had their own chance when Romauld Boco played the ball over the top to Alan Keane, but the right-back couldn't keep his effort down.
The Students finally got the goal their performance deserved approaching the half hour mark. Daniel Ledwith picked the ball up out wide and whipped a great cross into the box for Rusk who headed beyond Gary Rogers into the bottom corner.
Neither side really threatened after the goal, but the Students looked the more comfortable despite the visitors applying the extra pressure, but they couldn't find a break-thru before half-time.
Paul O'Conor started the half brightly attempting to chip Gary Rogers, and he was unlucky not to beat the 'keeper when his effort struck the top of the bar. Moments later Mark Quigley had the visitors first chance of the half when he headed an Alan Keane cross wide of the goal.
Jake Dykes almost picked out Danny North with a fantastic cross nearing the hour mark, but the ball in was blocked away at the vital moment, Rovers looking a bit better at this point.
The momentum swung UCD's way again and were unlucky not to score in quick succession. First Rusk tore through the defence but his effort on the end of the run was woeful, a shot straight at Rogers, then Paul O'Conor's great headed effort was tipped over the bar.
From the resulting corner, UCD managed to somehow not extend their lead when they saw three different strikes blocked away by Gary Rogers and one also hitting the post.
Sligo Rovers tried desperately to find an equaliser as the game approached the final ten minutes. David Cawley saw a great long range effort well saved by McGinley while Danny North had a goal ruled out for offside.
The visitors almost snatched a point right at the death after two goalmouth scrambles, but they were desperately unlucky not to see the ball find its way over the line. UCD held out for a well deserved victory as they bounced back from Friday's 4-2 loss to Cork in impressive fashion.
UCD: Mark McGinley, Daniel Ledwith, Ciaran Nangle, David O'Connor, Michael Leahy, Samir Belhout (Gary Burke '79), Paul Corry, Paul O'Connor, Tyrone McNelis (Stephen Doyle '90+2), Robbie Benson, Graham Rusk (Dean Clarke '88).
Unused subs: John Kelly, Barry McCabe, Mark Langtry, Tomas Boyle
Sligo Rovers: Gary Rogers, Alan Keane, Danny Ventre, Jason McGuinness, Iarfhliath Davoren (Jake Dykes '27), Romauld Boco (Pascal Millien '62), David Cawley, John Dillon (Lee Lynch '72), Rafael Cretaro, Mark Quigley, Danny North
Unused subs: Richard Brush, Marty Owens, Liam Martin
Referee: Padraigh Sutton
Attendance: 653
extratime.ie Man of the Match: Paul Corry
