National League Premier Division/UCD 0 Bohemians 1: Though few in Belfield's biggest crowd of the season - just over 1,000 - could disagree that Bohemians were the better side, UCD were left bitterly aggrieved at the way they lost all three points to the visitors on Saturday evening.

Des Byrne confidently drove home a 90th-minute penalty after UCD captain Tony McDonnell's hand made contact with a Stephen Ward cross in the College penalty area.

UCD felt referee Declan Hanney's decision was harsh as it appeared to be "ball to hand", and College manager Pete Mahon was moved to express his disappointment in somewhat biblical terms.

"I'm a Christian and I believe in God," said Mahon. "On the last day we will all be accountable for our actions and called to book.

"It all depends on your interpretation of the laws of the game. The referee's decision has repercussions for us as individuals, collectively and as a club. It's hard to take.

"I agree that we didn't deserve to win the match. But we didn't deserve to lose it either, especially in that manner."

In truth, Bohemians dominated for long spells against a UCD team featuring four changes from the side beaten 6-0 by Shelbourne in their previous match.

In the pick of the few chances prior to the dramatic finish, Ward had brought the save of the game from Darren Quigley on 63 minutes when the UCD goalkeeper got a right foot to the winger's shot to steer it off target.

Not surprisingly, Bohemians manager Gareth Farrelly had a rather different opinion of the game's pivotal incident.

"I thought it was a penalty; it was a handball," said Farrelly. "I think we got our just reward in the end. We were the only ones trying to win the game."

UCD: Quigley; Mahon, McNally, McDonnell, Kenna; McWalter (Kavanagh, 70 mins), Dicker, Finn, Ryan; Sammon, P Byrne (Brophy, 78 mins).

BOHEMIANS: O'Brien; O'Reilly, Ferguson, McGuinness, Byrne; Harkin (O'Keeffe, 54 mins), Kelly (Duggan, 92 mins), Farrelly, Ward; Devlin, Arkins (Leech, 58 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).