UCD out of InterToto on away goals - June 26, 2000

Velbazhd (Bulgaria) 0 UCD 0
(AGG 3-3 - Velbazhd qualify on away goals)
UCD showed their fighting spirit in Kyustendil against Velbazhd yesterday (Sunday, June 25) as they held the Bulgarians to a somewhat surprising 0-0 draw. The draw however was not enough for the Students and they crashed out of the InterToto Cup on the away-goal rule after conceding three goals at Belfield last weekend.

Nothing was expected from UCD in the searing heat in Bulgaria and after the early exchanges it looked certain that they would not get anything from the game. But goalkeeper Barry Ryan was in outstanding form and he held the Bulgarians at bay with a string of outstanding saves.

UCD's confidence at the back helped the team to settle and they could have taken the lead just after the break when Ciaran Martyn hit a volley which beat Velbazhd goalkeeper Krasimir Petkov but went agonisingly wide.

More chances fell to the Bulgarians but Ryan was not going to be beaten. UCD finished the game the stronger which was testament to their fitness at such an early time in the season and if Mick O'Byrne had taken his chance when set up by Martyn they would be now in the second round of the competition.

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UCD:Ryan; McLoughlin, Delaney, McAuley, Mahon; Martin, Kavanagh, Martyn, Dunne; O'Byrne, Bennis.

Subs: Kilmurray for Bennis (74 mins), O'Donnell for Martin (82 mins.).

FC Velbazhd:Velbazhd: Petkov; Kolev; Goskev; I Stoyanov; B. Pavlov; G. Petrov; Velickov; A. Stoyanov; Hristev; Mihoylov; Stoyched.

Subs: Milenov for Velichkov 50; R. Petrov for I. Stoyanov 74.

Referee I Gorozhankin (Ukraine).