Cork City seal early promotion back to Premier Division after edging past UCD

Runaway First Division leaders Cork City ensured a swift return to the elite of Irish Football with a hard-earned victory at the home of second-placed UCD.

Malik Dijksteel's second-half winner ensured the Leesiders were crowned champions, sparking wild celebrations and a pitch invasion at full-time, as the unstoppable Rebels sealed the deal with six games to spare.

In a fiery start, the home side's talisman Ronan Finn, quickly found midfield partner Jake Doyle, who stung the palms of Bradley Wade from 30 yards out.

The hosts were desperately trying to spoil the party and should have been ahead moments later when the in-form Mikey Raggett raced clear on goal but dragged his shot agonisingly wide.

The visitors responded well and thought they had taken the lead when Charlie Lyons headed home from a Greg Bolger free-kick, only to see the flag raised for offside.

There were chances a plenty at both ends. Cian Bargary did brilliantly to get to the end line but cut the ball just a yard behind Sean Maguire, who had the goal at his mercy, before Finn sent a 25-yard thunderbolt inches wide on the stroke of half time.

The end-to-end entertainment continued into the second half as Maguire was denied by Moore, who got a good hand up to stop a clever dink, before Raggett’s deflected effort somehow beat both Wade and the foot of the post.

With just over 20 minutes remaining, the visitors got the goal their boisterous travelling support craved when the unmarked Dijksteel fired home from inside the area.

Chants of "We are going up" echoed around the stadium but it was a nervy ending for Cork manager Tim Clancy - who penned a new two-year deal last night - as the Students threw the kitchen sink at them for the remainder.

However, Cork held firm to