Galway Utd 2 UCD 2:SEÁN CONNOR has enjoyed an encouraging start as Galway United manager, and last night's Terryland Park encounter with UCD offered a timely reminder of the considerable potential of both clubs.

The first half of the match was packed with drama and goals as the teams contributed to a highly-satisfactory Premier Division encounter.

UCD settled impressively early on, and they hit the front in the fourth minute as striker David McMillan rifled the students ahead after Barry Ryan did well to saved Ciarán Kilduff’s initial effort.

Galway United, though, summoned up a decent response, and they levelled matters in the 19th minute as Anto Flood appeared to claim the final decisive touch following a deep Rhys Meynell delivery.

Flood’s skill then forced UCD skipper Evan McMillan to handle in the penalty area in the 36th minute, and Stephen O’Donnell’s subsequent penalty was precise.

But Galway United were rocked on the stroke of half-time as UCD levelled again as a lapse in concentration from Ryan was punished by Chris Mulhall, who rolled the ball into an empty net.

Ryan, though, redeemed himself well in the third quarter when making two splendid reflex saves to thwart David McMillan as UCD probed for the lead.

Galway had an opportunity to claim all three points in the 63rd minute of the match when the industrious Ciarán Foley burst clear, but goalkeeper Billy Brennan saved, and so the spoils were shared.

GALWAY UNITED: Barry Ryan; Conneely (Heary, 75 mins), McKenzie, Synott, Meynell; Bobby Ryan, Foley (Curran, 90 mins), O'Donnell, McBrien (Creaney, 31 mins); Sheppard, Flood.

UCD: Brennan; Harding, Leahy, E McMillan, Shortall; Corry (Ward, 73 mins), Bolger, Creevy (Nangle, 83 mins); Mulhall, D McMillan, Kilduff (Wilson, 73 mins).

Referee: G Kelly (Cork).