Indeed, in a game full of chances, Martin Russell’s side might have clinched it five minutes from time.

Substitute Dwayne Wilson set up Chris Mulhall from outside the box, but the striker shot high and wide as the Students failed to score for the fourth match running.

UCD shaded the first-half with skipper Evan McMillan’s early header flying straight into the arms of keeper Darren Quigley who would make the stop of the half on 21 minutes at the feet of McMillan‘s younger brother David.

Sporting showed more urgency on the resumption, but it was UCD who should have been in front on 53 minutes when right-back Brian Shortall’s marauding run lacked a finish as he blazed over from close range.

Gary O’Neill had a shot bravely blocked by Evan McMillan following a clever one-two with Ger O’Brien at the other end as the game began to open up.

Quigley made another important stop on the edge of his area while O’Neill headed over from Ronan Finn’s cross.