Just when the game looked to be heading for a draw, Twigg pounced onto a flick from substitute Dessie Baker to fire into the corner of the net from 12 yards. It was the Scots fifth league goal of the season and so typical of the man after long periods of anonymity.

But when it matters Twigg always manages to come up with the goods and now Rovers are level on points with leaders Dundalk. That was his fifth league goal of the season - and perhaps may prove one of his most vital.

The Hoops had the perfect start when midfielder James Chambers curled a 24 yard free round the College wall of defenders after a foul by Greg Bolger on Stephen Bradley. It was the first goal conceded by the Students in six league games.

The home side went close to an equaliser moments later when a Dwane Wilson cross was met on the turn by the danger ous David McMillan. But his effort from 12 yards was brilliantly saved by the diving Alan Mannus.

College were level on 14 minutes when a a clever ball from former Rovers striker Ciaran Kilduff was fastened onto by midfielder Paul Corry. His shot from the edge of the box looked goal-bound but took a deflection off winger Paddy Kavanagh before entering the net.

Chris Turner had a long range effort just over the top for the visitors before a mazy run by Wilson almost lead to a second goal for College. After going past three defenders on the right, the winger's effort was just blocked in time by central defender Dan Murray.

The The Students continued to press forward and after one hectic goalmouth scramble, an Evan McMillan header was well grabbed by the alert Mannus.

Rovers did have a chance to break the deadlock on 53 minutes when defender Pat Flynn played Chambers through the middle. A nice switch of passes with Twigg then enabled Chambers to get in an angled shot pushed out by 'keeper Billy Brennan just beyond the reach of winger Billy Dennehy.

The Hoops again went close when a Stephen Bradley corner on the left allowed Chris Turner to get in a downward header which was eventually scrambled over the bar by 'keeper Brennan.
D

espite the introduction of substitutes Sean O'Connor and Thomas Stewart during the second half, Rovers seemed to lack the necessary cutting edge in attack until that man Twigg burst on the scene with the dramatic late winner to break College hearts.

UCD - Brennan; Harding, E.McMillan, Boyle, Shortall; Corry , Bolger, D.McMillan, Wilson (Fitzgerald 71), Kilduff (Creevy 71), Mulhall 6.

Shamrock Rovers - Mannus; Flynn, Murray, Sives, Murphy; Kavanagh (O'Connor 61), Chambers, Bradley, Turner (Baker 67), Dennehy (Stewart 77); Twigg.

Referee - Declan Hanney (Dublin).