DEFENSIVE errors dominated this clash at the Brandywell yesterday and in, the end, a share of the spoils was a fair reflection on the play.

The poor attendance by Derry standards, of around 500 spectators, reflected the lack of importance of the match. With both sides out of the running for honours, there was very little passion or commitment.

Derry's normally reliable central defender Paul Curran made a bad mistake in the 59th minute and UCD's prolific striker Mick O'Byrne, made him pay dearly.

Curran's half hearted back pass to goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd fell well short and O'Byrne did not require a second invitation to race in and delicately slide the ball wide of the goalkeeper.

But Derry fought back to deservedly restore equality three minutes later and again it was a defensive mistake which led to the goal.

UCD defender Jonathan Treacy appeared to control the ball with his hand inside the penalty area even though there was little danger. An alert linesman immediately flagged the attentions of referee Brendan Shortt and he pointed to the spot.

Curran, who appears to have taken over the penalty taking role for Derry following the defection of Stuart Gauld to Glenavon, slammed the penalty home, sending Seamus Kelly the wrong way.