Behan magic denies Dundalk opening night win

A stunning 77th minute free kick from Ciaran Behan saw UCD deny Dundalk an opening day victory at Oriel Park.

Despite seeing his side miss a penalty 10 minutes earlier, Stephen O'Donnell’s side looked to be on course for victory when John Martin fired them in front in the first half.

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However Behan, who 48 hours earlier had helped the Students to Collingwood Cup success in Larne with a double in the 3-2 final win over UL, stunned the home crowd with a spectacular equaliser 13 minutes from time.

It was probably no more than Andy Myler’s side deserved.

Having only survived relegation via the play-off last season, the Dublin 4 side are hot favourites to go down this year, but showed a fighting spirit that they will hope can see them upset the odds once again.

The result was a definite blow for the Lilywhites though, whose brief title charge last season was impacted by dropping several points against sides in the bottom half.

For O’Donnell, his wait for a first opening day win in management continues.

It was Martin who was first to threaten in the game on 14 minutes when he broke in off the right only for a combination of Adam Wells and Lorcan Healy to scramble the ball behind for a corner.

Greg Sloggett then had an effort blocked down by Jesse Dempsey before the Students registered their first attempt on 16 minutes when Behan did well to get a shot away from range that was straight at Nathan Shepperd.

Dundalk were then awarded a penalty on 24 minutes when Martin went down in the box following a short free kick routine in which Patrick Hoban had feigned to shoot. Hoban, seven goals shy of equalling the club’s all-time scoring record, stepped up to take the spot kick but was denied by Healy, who dived to his left