DEFENDING champions St Patrick's Athletic gave their title hopes a timely boost at Belfield yesterday with a headed goal from John McDonnell to hand the Inchicore side their first league win of the season

After a miserable beginning to the season which has seen St Patrick's collect just two points from their first four outings, manager Brian Kerr opted for an unconventional strike force, with Ricky O'Flaherty making way for the versatile Paul Osam up front.

However, it was UCD who created the first scoring chance of the game, when a perceptive ball from Andy Myler gave Darren O'Brien the opportunity to drive in a low shot that Gareth Byrne did well to get a hand to. At the other end, Martin Reilly hit the UCD crossbar with a stinging shot following a low delivery from Trevor Croly.

The breakthrough came on 62 minutes after a sustained spell of pressure. The concept was straightforward enough. A free from the left from Paul Campbell and McDonnell stole in for the only score of the game.