REPORT: UCD AFC 0-3 Shamrock Rovers

UCD’s relegation from the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League was confirmed on Friday night as they were beaten 3-0 by Shamrock Rovers at Belfield.

First-half goals from Joey O’Brien and Graham Cummins had the Hoops in total control at half-time. Brandon Kavanagh added another after the break to seal College’s fate.

The odds were stacked almost impossibly against Maciej Tarnogrodzki’s Students before kick-off. They were looking for a winning margin in record territory, and for Finn Harps to get beaten against Waterford.

But Rovers were in no mood to extend the stay of execution. They had their first attempt after Kavanagh won a free-kick with barely 15 seconds on the clock. He dusted himself down and forced Kearns into a save with an effort from the edge of the box.

Cummins hit the crossbar shortly before Republic of Ireland Under-21 manager Stephen Kenny took his seat. He would see the club he formerly managed take the lead on 14 minutes.

O’Brien finished from close range, after Lee Grace had headed Dylan Watts’s floated free-kick back across the six yard box. Rovers huffed and puffed, with Cummins bringing a top-drawer save out of Kearns after a lovely set-up back heel by Aaron McEneff.

But Stephen Bradley’s men weren’t to be denied, and they would have their second just before the break. Neil Farrugia did superbly out left, turning two men before crossing to the back post for Cummins to poke home.

The Hoops continued to dominate after the restart, but their third was more of the bizarre than the wonderful. Kearns collected a back pass, but his attempted clearance was slightly scuffed, and only went as far as Kavanagh.

The UCD keeper then went down injured, but midfielder showed no mercy and finished into the empty net. The Stundents finish their season next week in Waterford, while Rovers continue their preparations for the extra.ie FAI Cup final against Cork on Friday.