Drogheda United recorded only their second win in 24 attempts in Belfield Park as Pete Mahon's side chose the worst possible time - a game many had down as the important first win of the season for the Students - to turn out a performance reminiscent of his predecessor's days. UCD were sluggish and unimaginative throughout, less than convincing in defence and Drogs took full advantage to record a comfortable win.
After just six minutes, the game was taking shape. The referee was content to let about anything go - a particularly late tackle on Gary Dicker early on should have merited an instant yellow card, while a couple of UCD tackles were also let off - while Drogs were already in front after defensive hesitancy from UCD. After being given two attempts to clear their lines, the ball came out to Finnish international Sami Riistila, who drilled home from 15 yards past through six UCD bodies and past Darren Quigley.
Not much changed throughout the first half. UCD could manage no more than aimless long balls, while Drogheda attacked with pace and Alan Mahon finally became the first name in the notebook when hauling down his man not far outside the area. The Students really only threatened on one occasion, when Alan Mahon curled a free kick from 25 yards a few inches wide of the far post.
At the start of the second half came a pivotal moment in the game. The Drogs defence failed to cut out a cross ball, Robbie Martin's shot was driven away, but only as far as Tony McDonnell, unmarked and six yards out. His shot was slightly delayed and too weak, but it still required a superb save from Dan Connor to turn the ball away for a corner. Had it gone in and UCD responded to the equaliser, who knows?
As it was, the game was over as a contest a few minutes later when former Student Gavin Whelan scored with a glancing header from a cross from the left.
UCD's second-half performance was marginally better than the first half - it couldn't really have been worse - and although they kept the ball on the deck more, they made no real progress against a physically bigger Drogheda side. It could easily have been 3-0 as Riistila smacked a shot off the post from outside the area, while a long-range Gary Dicker strike which sailed a foot or two above the bar was really as close as College came to a consolation.
Next up for College is a trip to Bray, who continue to surprise after adding a draw in Cork to their win over Pat's. College had the upper hand in their games against the Seagulls last season, winning three from four (including a League Cup game) and only coming away with a point in the other game atfer a last-minute equaliser from Bray. With a trip to Cork to follow, a win here is vital to finally kick-start the 2005 season.
UCD - Quigley; Mahon, Kenna, Shorthall, McNally; McDonnell, McWalter, Dicker, O'Donnell (Adrian Murphy); Martin, Dupuy (Anto Murphy). Subs not used - Gallagher, Kierans, Hurley.
Att - 738
