Students get it right at second attempt

Rockmount's luck ran out last night as they failed to create any real challenge for UCD at Belfield.

Two first-half goals and a series of chances in the second made sure that the students can be a little more encouraged going into their second-round meeting with National League champions St Patrick's Athletic.

With an attendance that barely topped a couple of hundred this was a rather forgettable affair. Rockmount's attempts on goal were few and far between and a couple of those actually ended up as a throw-in.

UCD, however, were quick to apply their superiority. Their tight passing forced the visitors into an early chasing game and it was clear the students were not about to give away any scoring advantage, which occurred in Sunday's meeting.

Tony McDonnell and Mick O'Byrne were first to test Rockmount goalkeeper Patrick Cassidy.

The first goal came in the 20th minute when the Rockmount defence failed twice to clear out of the box and defender Alan Mahon's 20-yarder was deflected low into the corner to land him his first goal for UCD.

Clive Delaney and Ciaran Martyn led UCD's attempts to increase the lead but it was Ciaran Kavanagh who set up the second goal in the 27th minute. His sweeping pass through to O'Byrne from just beyond the halfway line out-smarted the Rockmount defence and gave O'Byrne the easy task of sliding the ball past Cassidy.

At that stage the Munster League side were in deep trouble and unfortunately for them there was no way out. UCD striker Glen Fitzpatrick always remained a threat and Robert Dunne was supplying his usual range of high balls from the left side. The visiting defence remained reasonably secure but probably only because most of the 11 men were covering that area.

The only good fortune for Rockmount in the later stages was that they didn't give away any more. UCD had probably lost a little bit of determination and content perhaps, to save it for the more important occasion that lies ahead.

UCD: Ryan, McDonnell, Mahon, Lynch capt, Delaney, Martyn, Kavanagh, McLoughlin, O'Byrne, FItzpatrick, Dunne. Subs: Kilmurray for Fitzpatrick and Bennis for Dunne (both 75 mins), Martin for Martyn (86 mins).

Rockmount: Cassidy, Busteed, O'Sullivan, Falvey, Lane, O'Brien, Oldham, Martin capt, Lynch, O'Shea, Brosnan. Subs: Deasy for Lane (72 mins), Foley for Brosnan and A Lynch for O'Shea (both 89 mins).

Referee: J McDermott (Dublin).