Clive Delaney choose the perfect occasion to score his first two league goals in ensuring UCD's victory while also bringing them three valuable points in their battle for premier division survival.
The young centre-half claimed his first following some sustained pressure after 27 minutes. The second came just over 10 minutes later when he completed a creative free from Eamonn McLoughlin with a well directed header into the top corner.
The two goal advantage game after UCD's earlier loss of goalkeeper Barry Ryan, sent off 22 minutes for handling the ball outside the box.
Derry fought hard for a response in the second half and despite a number of lost opportunities, they managed to get one back courtesy of Michael McHugh 11 minutes from time.
UCD: Ryan, Brett, Mahon, Lynch, Delaney, Martyn, Kavanagh, McLoughlin, O'Byrne, Bennis, O'Donnell. Subs: McCarthy for O'Donnell (22 mins), McDonnell for McLoughlin (57 mins).
Derry City: Platt, McCallion, Kelly, Hutton, Curran, Gallagher, Doherty, Hegerty, Coyle, McCaul, McHugh. Subs: McCann for Kelly (45 mins),Gauld for Gallagher (48 mins), Gilmour for McCaul (83 mins).
Referee: A O'Regan (Cork).
