SECOND half goals by JJ Melligan, Garry Breen and Fahrudin Kuduzovic were enough to see Dundalk pick up their first home win of the season against UCD last night.

The result also sees Ian Foster's side maintain their unbeaten start to the season and moves the Lilywhites to joint top of the Airtricity League table with St Patrick's Athletic.

UCD passed the ball delightfully at times in the opening 45 minutes with striker Ciaran Kilduff having their opening effort in the 15th minute, driving straight at Peter Cherrie after JJ Melligan squandered possession too easily.

It was the Students who again threatened five minutes later. Midfielder Pete McMahon found himself with room inside the Dundalk 18-yard box area but his cross fell behind Kilduff who was ready to pounce from close range.

Dundalk started to gain a foothold in things and Fahrudin Kuduzovic drifted in from the right to try his luck with a right footed effort from distance. The former Cork City man then teed up Neale Fenn for a go but Billy Brennan showed safe hands to gather.

Another intelligent passage of play led to another opportunity for last year's First Division champions on the half hour mark. Paul Corry played the ball into Kilduff on the edge of the area. The big striker shifted the ball to David McMillan but his shot was deflected just over Cherrie's crossbar by Shaun Kelly.

Dundalk took the lead after 55 minutes. The result of a flowing bit of football, it was created and finished by JJ Melligan. The former Orient man picked the ball up on halfway and after laying the ball off to Fenn, continued his run with intent. The return pass was intended for Kuduzovic but Melligan profited and tucked the ball away brilliantly with the edge of his right foot to open his account for Dundalk.

With their tails up, Dundalk looked to press home the advantage. Melligan whistled an effort just wide from 25-yards and Stephen Maher was denied by another good stop by Brennan.

The result was put beyond doubt in the 73rd minute. Hatswell rose highest to meet Melligan's corner and Kuduzovic was on hand to loft the ball across the face of goals for Garry Breen to head home.

UCD had a chance to set up a tense finish but Peter McMahon just couldn't extend himself to turn a loose ball home after Peter Cherrie had spilled Corry's effort.

Kuduzovic put the icing on the cake when he grabbed his second goal of the season late on after good work by Ross Gaynor.

DUNDALK: Cherrie; Kelly, Burns, Breen, Hatswell; Maher, Melligan, Miller (McGuigan 79); Kuduzovic (Synnott 88), Fenn (Johnny Breen 76), Gaynor.

UCD: Brennan; Shortall, Boyle, Evan McMillan, Nangle; McMahon, Bolger (Creevy 65), Corry; Rusk, Kilduff (Houston 65), David McMillan (Ward 56).

REF: Damien Hancock (Dublin).