Exasperated by the lack of heart within UCD in recent weeks, the discontent of manager Martin Moran was well versed in the run up to this meeting with Shamrock Rovers. And while the result of a brisk affair at Belfield Park yesterday may not have satisfied all his wants, there are signs that the tide may be starting to turn.
Three changes were made from the team that fell to Derry City last weekend, and on the whole they were effective. John Martin was back from injury and made a firm impact, as did Mick O'Donnell, but the two goals from Tony McDonnell made his return the most central of all.
It was Rovers, however, who always seemed a small step ahead. Twice they went in front only for UCD draw level and even though a share of the points was, in the end, probably deserved for both sides, it was the visitors who will feel they should have bagged them all.
Sean Francis was threatening from the start and although UCD's commitment couldn't have been much stronger, Rovers were the more creative. In the first half hour both sides were denied by the upright, the first chance for Francis and then for O'Donnell, but Rovers finally got what they deserved after 34 minutes.
It wasn't the prettiest, starting with a Marc Kenny free from just outside the box that was half hit by Derek Tracey before the high deflection was eventually blasted into the net by Jason Colwell, his first of the season.
UCD weren't exactly short of their own chances, and the likes of O'Donnell and Kevin Grogan didn't hesitate to try their luck whenever the frequent openings fell their way. And just before the half, McDonnell seemed certain to have found the equaliser only for the post to once again get in the way of his thumping header.
The pace picked up further in the second half and after UCD had a succession of charges on the Rovers goal, the equaliser duly arrived on 56 minutes. An uncharacteristic lapse in the opponents defence allowed McDonnell to sweep home a lose ball and suddenly Rovers were forced to attack again.
Their response was sustained. Tony Grant stumbled in the box for what appeared to be Rovers third claim for a penalty but again it was turned down. Yet on 78 minutes, in what seemed as the least guilty challenge, Brian Byrne rolled over after a knock with McDonnell and that allowed Francis to convert from the spot and put Rovers back in front.
In the last minute of normal time Clive Delaney blocked Robbie Horgan's clearance and when Martin knocked the ball back into the area, McDonnell snatched the equaliser.
UCD: Ryan; McLoughlin, McAuley, Delaney, Mahon; Martin, Kavanagh, McDonnell, O'Donnell; Bennis, Grogan. Subs: Martyn for O'Donnell (82 mins).
SHAMROCK ROVERS: Horgan; Smith, Palmer, Cronin, Dunne; Kenny, Tracey, Colwell, Byrne; Francis, Grant. Subs: Robinson for Kenny (75 mins), Deans for Francis (87 mins).
Referee: H Byrne (Dublin).
