UCD's late winner dashes Cork City's promotion hopes

UCD’s 89th‑minute winner against Finn Harps on Tuesday delayed Cork City’s inevitable promotion, leaving the Leesiders’ two‑goal win over Wexford insufficient to clinch the First Division title as they sit just two points short of a Premier Division return on the evening.

The match began with a minute’s silence for Tom Bolger, father of City midfielder Greg, before the visitors pressed early. Mikie Rowe found space down the right and Conor Brann blocked his low drive, while Ruairí Keating’s effort was swatted away by Paul Martin.

First‑half narrative at Turner’s Cross

Turner’s Cross hosted a crowd of 2,556, and the first half saw City fall behind. Bray Wanderers and UCD each took the lead inside twenty minutes, but by the 40th minute both had been pegged back, leaving City trailing at the break.

Late drama seals UCD’s win

Cillian Murphy restored City’s lead minutes after the restart, capitalising on a brilliant run from Niall O’Keeffe and a sharp pass from Seani Maguire. The 17‑year‑old’s tap‑in marked his sixth goal of the season.

Seani Maguire then equalised in the 74th minute, delivering a corner that he himself headed home, his third of the campaign and the 11th of an injury‑disrupted season.

Meanwhile, long stretches of the second half at Turner’s Cross suggested celebrations for the 2,556 spectators, until UCD’s own battle with Finn Harps intensified. The Students fought back from a 2‑1 deficit at the break, with Shaunie Bradley and Oran Brogan scoring before Luca Cailloce and Louis Dignam restored parity.

Hugh Smith’s 89th‑minute winner finally settled the 5‑4 thriller, putting the champagne on ice for another week.

As a result, Cork City remain two points shy of a Premier Division return, while Wexford sit eighth, seven points off the play‑offs with seven games left. The FIRST DIVISION TABLE now reflects these shifts. The report tags the match under the St section and mentions Sean among the contributors.