First Division leaders UCD advanced to the last four of the EA Sports League Cup following this victory over Galway United.

With a place in the penultimate round awaiting the winners Galway United manager Ian Foster opted to keep faith with the same starting XI that had ruthlessly dismissed Bray Wanderers in their previous encounter.

And Galway were all positive approach play at the start with Jay O'Shea again revelling in his preferred role playing off Vinny Faherty.

Those two combined in the 10th minute, but Faherty was unable to guide O'Shea's right wing cross on target.

In the 13th minute Faherty was involved again heading Iarfhlaith Daveron's free-kick into Dave Cooke, who drilled wide.

With O'Shea a persistent threat Galway were on top, and another nifty passing move ended with Michael McGrath going close on the half hour, and despite all of the locals endeavour UCD still departed on level terms at the break.

But the Tribesmen were rocked 10 minutes after the restart when centre half Garry Breen was red carded following a last ditch tackle on Chris Mulhall.

The students were encouraged now and hit the front in the 64th minute when Galway substitute Mark O'Toole's mistake ensured Keith Ward was able to cross for Mulhall to put UCD ahead.

Martin Russell's side passage was secured five minutes from time Peter McMahon's shot deflected off Galway defender Shane Guthrie, and Barry Ryan was unable to claw the ball to safety.

Galway United: Barry Ryan, Seamus Conneely, Garry Breen, Shane Guthrie, Iarfhlaith Davoren, Jay O’Shea, John Russell (Derek O’Brien, 71mins), Cian McBrien, David Cooke, Michael McGrath, Vinny Faherty.

Subs not used: Mark O’Toole, Derek O’Brien, Declan Edwards, Jason Molloy, Ger Hanley

UCD: Billy Brennan, Brian Shortall, Michael Leahy, Evan McMillan, Chris Nangle, Keith Ward (James Timmons, 83mins), John Dineen (David McMillan, h-t), Ronan Finn, Chris Mulhall, Timmy Purcell (Michael Kelly, 54mins), Peter McMahon.

Subs not used: Luke Hardy, James Timmons, Gerard Barrow

Referee: P Sutton (Cork)