Students survive late scare to retain Premier Division status against 10-man Waterford

Tommy Lonergan's first-half strike proved decisive as UCD will enjoy another season in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.

The vast bulk of the 2,781 attendance trooped away disappointed from Richmond Park as their Waterford side face a second successive season in the lower tier.

Junior Quitirna should have forced extra-time in a dramatic finish to this promotion/relegation play-off decider, but missed a 94th minute penalty as Waterford also finished with 10 men.

Having rested a host of players for last week’s meaningless final game of the regular season against champions Shamrock Rovers, regulars Sam Todd, Evan Osam, Jack Keaney and Lonergan returned for UCD.

Waterford manager Danny Searle kept faith with the same starting XI that dismissed Galway United 3-0 in the First Division play-off final at Markets Field last week.

And the Blues' free-scoring attack, which had mined 28 goals from their last 10 games, looked evident from the off.

Talisman winger Phoenix Patterson collected Shane Griffin’s pass to get the ball onto his right foot to rifle over inside two minutes.

College responded within a further minute, creating a dangerous opening with their first assault. Alex Nolan’s shot was blocked by Darragh Power to fall for Sean Brennan, who ballooned his effort over the top.

Lonergan showed his threat shortly after that, cutting inside Tunmise Sobowale to see his shot deflected into the path of Nolan who rifled not far over Paul Martin’s crossbar.

UCD’s Kian Moore was the first keeper to see real action on 12 minutes, getting down to his right to make a comfortable save from Quitirna’s deflected free kick.

If that was something of a let-off for UCD, given the Blues’ prowess from set plays, it was they took the lead from a