Cork City scored a lucky win over UCD in a poor match that ended in controversy at Turner's Cross last night.

Cork were lucky to survive a penalty claim in the final minute when UCD substitute Robert Martin was sent tumbling in the penalty area by Dan Murray and Alan Bennett. UCD protested bitterly when the referee waved aside their penalty claims.

Cork never struck form and were lucky to take a lead into the second half when UCD came out of their defensive shell to put the Cork under pressure. Twice goalkeeper Michael Devine had to make good saves to deny Alan McNally and Robert Griffin. His sharpness ensured the opportunist goal that was claimed by John O'Flynn after 34 minutes and was enough to give Cork the three points.

CORK CITY: Devine; Carey, Bennett, D Murray, Woods, Behan, (K Murray 72 mins), O'Halloran, CT O'Brien, Doyle, (Hederman 82 mins), O'Flynn, O'Callaghan.

UCD: Jennings; Sullivan, McNally, Donnelly, Davey, Whelan (Ryan 54 mins), McDonnell (O'Donnell 12 mins), Cawley, J Martin, Gallen (R Martin 75 mins), Griffin.

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).