Longford's FAI Cup final build-up began in fine style on Saturday when bottom club UCD became the latest scalp for the midland club. Longford have moved clear of relegation worries following this victory and have picked up two league points against teams placed below them in the division.

UCD will feel hard done by. They deserved something from this game but were caught napping at vital stages.

After a slow opening Longford set the game alight in the 20th minute. Striker Shane Barrett was causing havoc for the visiting defence and it was his cross, met by the head of Philip Keogh, that had Longford in front.

UCD stepped up their performance after half-time. Alan Cawley went close with a 59th-minute free kick, and 12 minutes later the students were on level terms.

Substitute Patrick McWalter put the finishing touches to a move that also involved Mark Rooney and Mick O'Donnell as UCD assumed control of affairs.

But they were rocked just six minutes from time when Longford substitute Eric Lavine presented Barrett with the opportunity to drill the ball past Patrick Jennings in the UCD goal.

Their tale of woe was complete when Alan McNally's last-minute strike was cleared off the line.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Dillon, Gartland, McGovern, Ferguson, Keogh, Mulvihill, Perth, Barrett, Francis, Murphy. Subs: Lavine for Mulvihill (half-time), Kelly for Francis (68 mins), Byrne for Keogh (72 mins).

UCD: Jennings, Sullivan, Davey, McAuley, McNally, McDonnell, J Martin, Cawley, Griffin, Rooney, O'Donnell. Subs: McWalter for J Martin (half-time), Whelan for Cawley (78 mins), R Martin for Rooney (78 mins).

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin)