GOALS in each half from Robbie Benson and Graham Rusk gave UCD a surprise win over off-form Sligo Rovers at the UCD Bowl.

It was just the second league win of the season for Martin Russell's Students.

College almost took the lead early on when a cross from Paul O’Conor on the right enabled Robbie Creevy to get in a spectacular overhead effort, brilliantly pushed over by Sligo ‘keeper Brendan Clarke.

From the resulting corner by Dean Marshall, on the eighth minute Benson was able to head home at the near post. It was the first home league goal for College in 278 minutes of league football this season.

Raffaele Cretaro might have had Sligo level only to see his effort pushed away by Ger Barron. And then straight up the other end Rusk saw his effort gathered by Sligo ‘keeper Brendan Clarke.

Richie Ryan had one effort for the visitors just over the top before College almost stretched their lead just before the interval.

Marshall had one shot which rebounded off the bar and then Benson saw his effort brilliantly pushed over by the alert Clarke.

Joseph Ndo headed wide for the visitors early in the second half after a Richie Ryan corner on the right. After Benson was taken down by defender Gavin Peers, Marshall shot over the bar with his free form the edge of the box.

The Students then extended their lead on 59 minutes when Darren Meenan’s effort was blocked by a wall of Sligo defenders, but Rusk was on hand to apply the vital finishing touch.

Substitute Mathew Blinkhorn did grab a consolation goal for Sligo on 83 minutes when his effort from the edge of the box seemed to take a deflection off Michael Leahy and past the diving Clarke.

UCD: Ger Barron; Paul O’Conor, Michael Leahy, Yael Haro, Ciaran Nangle; Darren Meenan, Robbie Benson, Robbie Creevy (Daniel Ledwith, 62), Paul Corry, Dean Marshall; Graham Rusk (Samir Belhout, 77).

Sligo Rovers: Brendan Clarke; Iarfhlaith Davoren, Jason McGuinness, Gavin Peers, Alan Keane; John Russell, Joseph Ndo (Aaron Greene, 77), Richie Ryan, John Dillon (Daryl Horgan, 61), Raffaele Cretaro (Mathew Blinkhorn,69); Eoin Doyle.

Referee: Graham Kelly (Cork)