UCD maintained their push for a European place with two first-half goals at Dalymount Park last night.

The Bohemians defence was less than assured early on with UCD twice finding the back of the net in the opening quarter hour.

The students' first goal came after four minutes when Ken Kilmurray dispossessed Bohemians goalkeeper Wayne Russell as the back four attempted to push up. Then on 15 minutes UCD extended their lead when Robert Dunne fouled Mick O'Byrne at the far post and the students' striker rolled the ball past Russell.

Bohemians dominated after that and Gareth O'Connor reduced the arrears in the 19th minute with a fine finish. And they almost grabbed a late equaliser with Derek Swan heading over from point-blank range after Paul Byrne's free had come off the crossbar.

Bohemians: Russell; Caffrey, O'Driscoll, Maher, Mullen, Byrne, Hunt, T O'Connor, G O'Connor, Crowe, Kelly. Subs: Swan for Kelly (46 mins); Doyle for T O'Connor (82 mins).

UCD: Ryan; McLoughlin, McAuley, McDonald, Mahon, Dunne, Martyn, Kavanagh, O'Donnell, Kilmurray, O'Byrne. Subs: Timmons for Dunne (78 mins).

Referee: Richard O'Hanlon (Waterford)