LONGFORD 0 UCD 2: UCD have made a miraculous recovery in the last six weeks and last night's victory at Flancare Park sees them move out of the National League Premier Division relegation zone for the first time since the early part of the season.

They were well worth their win in Longford and manager Paul Doolin will be quietly confident that the students can extend their unbroken tenure in the top flight.

The students went in front after 35 minutes when Robert Martin's cross was expertly dispatched by John Martin. Longford went in search of an equaliser, but the midlanders haven't scored at home since October 19th and this record never looked like ending last night.

UCD were again dominant in the early stages of the second half. Longford goalkeeper Stephen O'Brien made an excellent save from Daragh Ryan in the 54th minute. Two minutes later, O'Brien was called into action again, this time denying John Martin.

Longford rarely threatened Barry Ryan's goal. Alan Kirby had their best chance of the second half in the 63rd minute, but his shot was well saved by Ryan.

UCD made sure of all three points in the 71st minute, when Daragh Ryan's cross was brilliantly finished by Robert Martin.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, Dillon, SIlke, Ferguson, Perth, Kirby, Sheridan, Francis, Lavine, Crowe. Subs: Barrett for Crowe (50 mins); John for Perth (58). Mulvihill for Murphy (70).

UCD: B Ryan, Sullivan, D Ryan, McAuley, Delaney, Aaron McNally, J Martin, McDonnell, Cawley, Alan McNally, R Martin.

Referee: H Whoriskey (Meath).

Longford ... 0

UC... 2