UCD 2 Longford Town 2Central defender Stephen Paisley scored for the second match running as Longford came from 2-0 down to salvage a point at Belfield.
Longford fell two goals behind inside four minutes midway through the first half, both attributable to bad defending. The first, on 16 minutes, came as a result of negligent marking as Stephen Hurley's deep cross from the right found Derek Doyle whose low delivery back across the Longford goal picked out Patrick McWalter who blasted to the roof of the net from just yards out.
Longford goalkeeper Mick Dempsey stood indicted for UCD's second goal just three minutes later. Playing in place of injured regular Shay Kelly, Dempsey came for Alan Cawley long-range cross on the edge of his box. He didn't make it and McWalter out-jumped him to get in a looping header than bounced through to the net.
In an open game, Longford hit back within 10 minutes. Dessie Baker put Dave Mooney in down the inside left channel and his cross was turned home by the in-rushing Dean Fitzgerald. Revitalised, Town were almost level inside a further four minutes with a chance out of nothing when Baker's overhead kick forced Darren Quigley into a tip over save at full stretch.
Quigley had to make a brave save at the feet of substitute Robbie Martin a minute into the second half after a mistake by Darragh Ryan. But it was a mere reprieve as Stephen Paisley arrived to powerfully head home Steve Gough's resultant corner.
Dempsey then made two terrific late stops to deprive Conor Sammon and Patrick Kavanagh.
UCD: Quigley; Mahon, McNally, Shortall (Ryan, half-time), Kenna; Hurley (Kavanagh, 83 mins), Cawley, Dicker, Doyle; McWalter, Sammon.
LONGFORD TOWN: Dempsey; Gough, Doherty, Paisley, Prunty; Kirby, O'Connor (J Martin, 64 mins), Fitzgerald, Cronin; Baker, Mooney (R Martin, 39 mins).
Referee: Tony Kelly (Westmeath).
Drogheda United yesterday completed the signing of Bray Wanderers' former Ireland under-21 international striker Eamon Zayed (22) for an undisclosed fee. Zayed has signed a deal that will keep him at United Park until the end of 2008 and should be available for the UEFA Cup first qualifying round, first leg against HJK Helsinki in the Finnish capital next week.
Meanwhile, Shelbourne manager Pat Fenlon insists he'll field his strongest side against First Division Finn Harps in tonight's final League Cup quarter-final at Tolka Park. Striker Gary O'Neill (knee) remains out while central defender Colin Hawkins (Achilles) is unlikely to be risked.
