O'NEILL HOPEFUL OF UCD STAYING IN PROMOTION CHASE

UCD manager Collie O'Neill says his side can still have a say in the battle for promotion to the Premier Division at the end of this season. 

Speaking to SSE Airtricity League reporter Peter Branigan after his side's 2-1 loss to Shelbourne at Belfield on Friday night, O'Neill was adamant that his side possesses the quality to compete with the best sides.

"I always said that we would fall short towards the end if we made silly mistakes, and tonight is a prime example of that."

"But the players we have, are they capable of going on a run?"

"Are they capable of beating Waterford next next?

"Yes they are."

It's the second week in a row that The Students have failed to win, and O'Neill says a lack of experience is the biggest problem his players have.

"They're a top-class side when they do the right things."

"Unfortunately, because of their lack of a experience, they're prone to a few mistakes, and tonight it has cost us."

Having gone in ahead at half-time thanks to a Maxi Kouogun goal, O'Neill was quick to point out that the better team won.

"In fairness to Shels, they didn't lie down."

"They went at us in the second-half."

"They were fully deserving of that win. I've no arguments with it, whatsoever."

And the UCD manager knows the huge task they face if they want to get back into the promotion mix, starting with a trip to The RSC next weekend.

"Waterford are a quality side."

"We'd have to cut out nearly all of our mistakes, and play at the top end of our game, if we're to getting anything against them."

This article was originally published on the Official League of Ireland website.