It's not over yet but having lost by two goals to a St Patrick's side that has been on a more or less consistently upward curve since the start of October, UCD will need to inflict the Inchicore outfit's worst defeat of the season if they are to turn around this Eircom-sponsored League Cup final in middle of next month.
Last night the visitors did their best to make a match of it. Early on, with Derek Swan's guile at the heart of everything, it appeared, at least fleetingly, that St Patrick's might have been in for a turbulent night, especially when Ciaran Martyn fired low into the bottom corner after just five minutes.
It wasn't to be, however, and before long Ger McCarthy had St Patrick's back level with a tap in after Liam Kelly's curling cross had been headed beyond goalkeeper Barry Ryan by Robbie Griffin.
At that point Pat Dolan's side started to look comfortable and shortly afterwards they were not only in front but starting to coast. Three minutes after scoring his side's first, McCarthy was again centrally involved in the second, breaking down the left and forcing Ryan into a late challenge out towards the corner flag for which the goalkeeper was booked.
Martin Russell's subsequent free kick was met by the head of Colm Foley on the edge of the six-yard box and after Ryan had reacted well to save, the defender did even better with the follow-up to volley home almost before he had landed from his first attempt.
Minutes later a swerving McCarthy shot from well out on the right came crashing back off the crossbar, but UCD steadied themselves and, even after losing their luckless skipper Tony McDonnell to another injury, kept the tie competitive.
Twice Kevin Grogan threatened Seamus Kelly's goal with nicely-floated crosses, with Swan unfortunately heading one into the ground. Early in the second period UCD almost drew level when Martyn's second crack at goal came off the inside of the post and bobbled along the goal-line before Kelly scrambled back to gather.
Then, with just over an hour played, Griffin lit up the game with a magical piece of skill that set McCarthy up for a wonderful headed goal at the far post. For the remaining 27 minutes Martin Moran's men laboured without reward, Eoin Bennis going closest to pulling one back with a low strike that required a good save.
St Patrick's Athletic: Kelly; Croly, Foley, S McGuinness, Burke; R McGuinness, Osam, Griffin, Russell; McCarthy, Kelly. Subs: Harris for McGuinness (82 mins), Mbabazi for Osam (half time).
UCD: Ryan; Mahon, McDonnell, Delaney, McLoughlin; Martin, Kavanagh, Martyn, Grogan; Fitzpatrick, Swan. Subs: McAuley for McDonnell (28 mins), Bennis for Swan (72 mins).
Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).
