UCD AFC travelled to Drogheda United to claim 3 goals in their opening game in the Aortricity Premiership

UCD left the confines of the capital city to deliver a breath of fresh air to the newly rebranded Premier Division. This breath of fresh air came in the form of quick movement, sharp touches and a willingness to entertain the United Park crowd. UCD left the field with a 3-0 win in the bag and the rousing applause of the sizeable UCD band of supporters. Things are looking up. UCD began the game with the clear intention of out passing an experienced Drogheda outfit. Greg Bolger and Keith Ward shone in midfield ensuring that UCD possession was used to create early chances. Attacking down the right wing saw Chris Mulhall torment his opposite number using his searing pace to twice whip inviting balls into the box.

Ciaran Kilduff terrorised the centre half pairing of Alan McNally and Jamie Harris ensuring that by half time he should have had a brace. On the first occasion Kilduff worked himself free in the box, shaped to shoot before chipping the on rushing keeper only to see his shot come back off the bar and bounce to safety. On the other side of the box, Kilduff advanced on Skinner one more time only for an unfortunate bobble to intervene before UCD’s number 9 blazed over the bar. Drogheda for their part was not to be outdone when it came to creating shooting opportunities. The Drogheda midfield took a more direct root towards goal but found Billy Brennan in defiant mood. Twice he sprinted off his line to clear danger with his fist and then his head. Brennan was the saviour in a good week for UCD goalkeepers as he made a point blank save from Daly. After the break Drogheda roared out of the traps and it became clear that UCD were not going to have it all their own way.

Undeterred, UCD continued to control possession and use it the only way they knew how. The Belfield team used the ball wisely staying patient and waiting for their opportunity to pounce, and pounce they did. In a time where Killers have begun to turn on their trainers, UCD’s” Killer Kilduff” turned towards his trainers and celebrated with the UCD bench having broken the deadlock with a sublime finish. He firstly used his pace to speed away from his markers before steadying himself to finish past the onrushing Skinner. UCD poured forward and a second goal was not long in coming. Diminutive Keith Ward capped a fine midfield performance having found space on the left hand side of midfield he picked a perfect ball to find Greg Bolger in the box, who ignored the close attention of the Drogheda defence to slot the ball into the back of the net and the travelling support, sang about topping the league.

Topping the league was going to be shared with St Patrick’s Athletic also winning 2-0. Up step Ciaran Kilduff with a sublime piece of centre forward play to ensure those travelling faithful wandered into the night safe in the knowledge that the first Airtrcity Premier Division league to be printed will indeed have UCD’s name on top. Kilduff received a ball to feet on the halfway line and in the same movement turned his marker before sprinting clear of the defence he had terrorised all night, Kilduff the steadied himself before finishing with the outside of his right boot low into the corner. Due to alphabetical order UCD started the day bottom of the league but when the numerical order is restored UCD will look down from the top for the time being at least safe in the knowledge that a fine Collingwood Cup win has been coupled with a great start to the new season.

Drogheda United: P Skinner, C Treacy, J Kendrick, A McNally, J Harris, E McGill (86 G O'Connor), B McGill (76 J Duffy), R Martin (63 P Crowley), M Daly, J Flood, G Fitzpatrick UCD: B Brennan, S Harding, C Nangle, A Boyle, B Shortall, G Bolger, K ward (85 S Fitzgerald), S Roche (80 P Corry) , C Kilduff, G Rusk, C Mulhall Referee: D Hanney