A big night in the First Division playoffs.
UCD took a vital lead back to the UCD Bowl for Sunday’s playoff second-leg against Treaty United, securing a 3-0 win on the road at the Markets Field.
Paul Doyle’s free-kick somehow found its way into the back of the net after a mistake from Treaty keeper Tadgh Ryan, with Colm Whelan also getting in on the act with a late brace.
In the night’s other game, Bray Wanderers and Galway United played out a scoreless draw in the Carlisle Grounds, with neither side able to break the deadlock.
First Division Playoffs: UCD take a commanding lead back to the capital.
After staving off an early storm from the Shannonsiders, Andy Myler’s Students impressed with a composed showing at a packed Markets Field in Limerick.
The visitors were a threat on the break, but they did score in somewhat fortuitous circumstances through the unassuming left-foot of Doyle.
Doyle’s in-swinging free-kick was met by the palms of Treaty keeper Ryan, but the former Huddersfield Town man could only skew his clearance into his own net.
UCD take the lead – Paul Doyle’s free kick finds the net following a goalkeeping error! ?
37′ @TreatyUnitedFC 0-1 @UCDAFC
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Tommy Barrett’s side, however, while relatively quiet in an attacking sense, went close late on through Dean George, but he could only shoot wide. Colm Whelan then made it 2-0 with just over ten to play, leaving Treaty with a mountain to climb ahead of Sunday’s second-leg.
UCD extend their lead with under ten minutes remaining now, great finish as usual by Colm Whelan! ?
85′ @TreatyUnitedFC 0-2 @UCDAFC
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Whelan, remarkably, then made it 3-0 in second-half injury time – latching onto a long ball from deep before then slotting home into the back of the net with ease.
FT | FIRST DIVISION PLAY-OFFS#IRLU21 international Colm Whelan bagged two late goals which leaves UCD in a great position going into the second leg! ?@TreatyUnitedFC 0-3 @UCDAFC @BrayWanderers 0-0 @GalwayUnitedFC
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First Division Playoffs: Galway United and Bray play out stalemate.
At the Carlisle Grounds, however, Bray Wanderers and Galway United played out a drab 0-0 draw ahead of Sunday’s second-leg at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Chances fell to both teams, but neither Brian Maher or Conor Kearns could be beaten ahead of Sunday’s crunch second-leg, with both teams content with their evening’s work on the banks of the Corrib.
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