Three superbly taken goals in the last 18 minutes highlighted an eventful league tie at Turners Cross yesterday. UCD came out on top in a late flurry to pick up three points which may ensure their survival in the premier division next season.

In the process they succeeded in highlighting some glaring weaknesses in the Cork defence. Manager Dave Barry was critical of the performance of his defence, particularly in relation to UCD's winning goal which came within 10 minutes of full time when Declan Fitzgerald's shot from a free flew through the wall of defenders.

The first goal came after 72 minutes when Cork's Derek Coughlan was caught near the halfway line between two opponents and Mick O'Byrne headed the ball past him to release Jason Sherlock who broke clear to score after 72 minutes.

Cork responded immediately. Coughlan replied with a wonderful strike of his own. He spotted goalkeeper Seamus Kelly off his goal line and was fully 45 yards out when he beat him with an accurate chip. UCD came back with spirit for Fitzgerald to score.

Cork City: Mooney, Napier, Coughlan, Daly, Cronin, Flanagan, Freyne, Hill, Cahill, Hartigan, Kabia. Subs: Barry Murphy for Freyne (46 mins)

UCD: Kelly, McLoughlin, Palmer, McDonnell, Fitzgerald, Bolger, Lynch, Martin, Griffin, Sherlock, O'Byrne. Subs: Delaney for Palmer (75 mins)

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford)