Shamrock Rovers...0 UCD...1: Shamrock Rovers' title-hopes received a major setback when a superb 19th-minute goal from winger John Martin was enough to give UCD a vital victory at Tolka Park yesterday.

Now five points behind leaders Shelbourne, this was Rovers' third defeat in a row. But manager Damien Richardson refuses to throw in the towel.

"It's time for my players to do the talking. We have an FAI Cup semi-final against Dundalk on Friday and then four league matches to play," said Richardson.

College, inspired by player-coach Paul Doolin, have almost certainly ended their worries about possible relegation with three wins and a draw from their last four.

Rovers did have their chances, especially when Stephen Grant had a penalty saved by Barry Ryan on the hour. But, overall, three points was no more than UCD deserved with both Clive Delaney and Richie Purdy outstanding in the centre of defence.

Doolin was instrumental in College breaking the deadlock on 19 minutes when slipping past two tackles and linking up with David Quinn. The midfielder then produced a defence-splitting past to put John Martin in the clear. The winger executed an exquisite chip from 20 yards that saw the ball sail over the head of advancing goalkeeper Tony O'Dowd into the net.

Quinn was then yellow-carded for a foul on Derek Tracey inside the box with Waterford referee Jimmy O'Neill immediately pointing to the spot.

But keeper Ryan silenced the Rovers' supporters when diving full length to his right and pushing Stephen Grant's penalty round the post for a corner.

SHAMROCK ROVERS: O'Dowd; Costello, Scully, Palmer, Byrne; Robinson, Caffrey, Tracey, Woods; T Grant, S Grant. Subs: Kavanagh for Caffrey (61 mins), Cousins for S Grant (67), Kenny for Costello (83).

UCD: B Ryan; Mahon, Purdy, Delaney, McAuley, J Martin, Quinn, Doolin, D Ryan; R Martin, Martyn. Subs: O'Donnell for D Ryan (45 mins), McNally for J Martin (64), McDonnell for R Martin (85).

Referee: J O'Neill (Waterford).