Premier Division strugglers, Kilkenny City, realise that they will need to improve if they are to avoid a quick return to the First Division.
While there was no disputing UCD's superiority on Saturday, Kilkenny could easily have stolen a draw, if not a win, in the dying stages.
Substitute Eoin Mullen missed a real sitter in the 89th minute, when he hit the ball at the keeper then on the final whistle, Brian Jordan out-foxed the defence, but goalkeeper, Barry Ryan, saved the visitors.
The only goal of the game came in the 16th minute. UCD won the ball in midfield and Eamon McLoughlin's fierce drive from 18 yards found the net off an upright.
While UCD were generally in control in the second period, Kilkenny had another chance to equalise, but this time Fran Carter headed Riddell's cross against an upright.
Kilkenny City: Nelson; O'Hanlon, Brunton, Mulcahy, O'Riordan, Burke, Parkes, McGrath, Akin, Carter, Riddell. Subs: Jordan for Burke (70 mins); Mullen for Riddell (83 mins).
UCD: Ryan; McLoughlin, Mahon, McCauley, Lynch, Kavanagh, Martin, Martyn, O'Donnell, Grogan, Bennis. Subs: Quinn for Martin (45 mins).
Referee: J Casey (Waterford).
