Punished for their only mistake in a game they otherwise dominated, Longford Town learnt a harsh lesson at Belfield last night - goals win matches.

Beginning where they left off from last week's 4-1 win over Cork City, the only surprise at the interval was that Stephen Kenny's side weren't several goals to the good.

With great movement and purpose in their play, Longford might have been three up after just eight minutes.

Henry Kenny, who scored twice against Cork, was thwarted by UCD goalkeeper Barry Ryan as early as the second minute. Stuart Byrne then got foward well to flick a header from Alan Murphy's cross wide before Kenny headed against the College crossbar from an excellent Sean Prunty ball.

UCD only lifted the siege in parts as Longford comfortably maintained the upper hand. Eric Lavine headed straight at Ryan before Robert McAuley put his body in the way to prevent Lavine scoring from eight yards on 36 minutes.

Nothing much changed into the second half until UCD stole the match-winning goal as they clinically punished a defensive mistake.

Paul McNally's pass to Wes Byrne fell short and John Martin was alert to steal forward. He laid the ball square for Ciaran Martyn to drill it low past Stephen O'Brien who scarcely had a save to make in the whole match.

UCD: B Ryan; Mahon, Purdy, McAuley, D Ryan; J Martin, Martyn, O'Dowd, O'Donnell; Swan R Martin. Subs: Doolin for O'Donnell (69 mins), O'Connor for R Martin (87 mins), McNally for O'Dowd (92 mins).

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Murphy, Smith, McNally, W Byrne; Kirby, H Kenny, S. Byrne, Prunty; Lavine, H Kenny. Subs: Gavin for Kenny (70 mins.), Holt for Smith (90 mins.).

Referee: A. Buttimer (Cork).