Shamrock Rovers 1 UCD 1PÁDRAIG AMMOND saved Rovers from defeat at Tolka Park last night, his 88th minute strike averting a hat-trick of losses for Pat Scully's men.

Rovers had made the early running with Seán O'Connor shooting just wide on 19 minutes after Darragh Stapleton overlapped to good effect down the left.

At the other end, Paul Byrne's header was collected at the second attempt by Carl Coleman midway through the half. By now the impetus was with Rovers, however, with their captain Stephen Rice firing a firm shot straight at UCD goalkeeper Matt Gregg after Dessie Baker had embarked on a mazy run down the left.

But Rovers were stunned by a UCD goal on 24 minutes after Shane Fitzgerald had been bundled over Danny O'Connor just outside the penalty area. Derek Doyle's resulting free-kick beat Rovers keeper Karl Coleman, his left -footed strike curling in at the far post.

Nonetheless Rovers finished the half well and after winning possession in midfield, Seán O'Connor advanced before shooting just wide of the target.

In the second half UCD's Eoin Doyle twice came close for the visitors before team-mate Paul Byrne missed from five yards out with 10 minutes remaining.

Tadhg Purcell then missed from the penalty spot on 83 minutes before Ammond latched on a through pass from Baker to level proceedings with two minutes to go and spare Rovers' blushes.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Coleman; O'Brien, Maguire, D O'Connor, Stapleton (Ammond 81); Martin (Murphy half-time), Rice, McGill (Doyle half-time), S O'Connor; Purcell, Baker.

UCD: Gregg; Mahon (Shorthall 36), McNally, Kenna, Bermingham; McWalter, Finn, King, Doyle (Purcell 73); Byrne, Fitzgerald.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).