UCD AFC ended Sligo Rovers' much lauded unbeaten start to the season last night in the UCD Bowl with a fantastic goal by Graham Rusk.

UCD AFC picked up their first three points since dispatching of Monaghan United in the UCD Bowl in March as Sligo Rovers were put to the sword by an inspired UCD performance. The Students dominated from start to finish and but for the lack of a killer instinct UCD could have humbled their high flying opponents. As it was, Graham Rusk's first half header was enough to guarantee all three points on a night where other results for teams around UCD meant a win was vital.

UCD came out of the traps at a blistering pace under the evening sun in the UCD Bowl and could have been ahead within a minute of the first whistle. Robbie Benson sent a shot goalwards and Rogers in the visiting goal could only partially stop the rolling ball. Graham Rusk was on hand to send a shot seemingly headed for the back of the net but inexplicably he managed to place it over the bar.

This missed opportunity signalled UCD's early intent and they continued to play through their opponents at will. Paul O'Conor and Paul Corry were central to all UCD's good work as newcomer Tyrone McNelis and Graham Rusk threatened time and again. Corry and Benson had long range efforts that sailed over the crossbar, as The Students confidence soared.

At the other end Alan Keane was sent into space by Boco but Keane's effort was wayward. On the 16th minute Sligo Rovers had the ball in the back of the net but referee Sutton ruled it out for a handball from Danny North. North was booked for his part in the infringement.

UCD's passing game was beginning to bear fruit in the middle as the Students dragged their visitors from one side of the pitch to another. The breakthrough finally came in the 29th minute when Graham Rusk found the back of the net with a brilliant header.

Danny Ledwith burst down the right hand side of the pitch and terrorised his opposite number before cutting back onto his wand of a left foot. Ledwith produced a magical ball into the box that found Rusk between his centre halves and placed a header into the bottom corner. It was Rusk's seventh goal of the season and his first from open play, a more important goal he may not score all season.

Sligo tried to muster a response but they lacked any real bite as their attack seemed toothless. Mark Quigley had the best of Sligo's chances that was easily saved by McGinley in the UCD goal.

The Students went into the break one goal to the good and fully deserving of their lead. The second half began with more of the same with Paul O'Conor attempting an audacious chip within minutes of the restart. O'Conor was at it again in the 61st minute when he smashed a ball goalwards that was stopped by Rogers.

Sligo began to create more chances than before but still could not break through the impressive UCD rear guard. McGinley, David O'Connor and Mick Leahy were forming an indomitable wall that was proving imperious as Sligo huffed and puffed towards goal.

Sligo have been famed for their attacking football this term but their efforts paled in comparison to the football produced by the Students this year. Time and time again Benson, Corry and O'Conor produced touches of sublime skill and that had Sligo chasing their tails. Graham Rusk was the epitome of this when in the 73rd minute he drifted past one defender, nutmegged the next and found himself one on one with Rogers in the Sligo goal. The finish did not match what went before as Rusk created a moment worthy of any live television game, RTE's loss was the UCD Bowl crowd's gain.

With the game heading towards the 80th minute UCD should have been three or four goals ahead. The epitomy of this failed attempts to take good chances came when a corner was not cleared and three UCD players all had good chances to put the ball in the back of the net but Sligo somehow scrambled it to safety.

The game was nearing its close as Sligo poured forward. UCD stood strong and withstood several anxious moments as the 90th minute approached. UCD scrambled the ball to safety on a couple of ocasions and the final whistle blew as one of these balls was smashed clear.

A fantastic UCD performance from back to front was rewarded with a three points that ends Sligo's unbeaten run but finally rewarded UCD for playing attacking football combined with excellent defensive work.

UCD AFC: McGinley, Nangle, Leahy, O'Connor, Ledwith, Corry, O'Conor, Benson, Belhout, McNelis (Doyle 90'+2), Rusk (Clarke 88')

Sligo Rovers: Rogers, Keane, Ventre, McGuinness, Davoren (Dykes 27'), Boco (Milien 62'), Cawley, Dillon (Lynch '72), Cretaro, Quigley, North