UCD 2 Kikenny City 1

Kilkenny's return to the Premier Division was slightly marred on Saturday, with a 2-1 defeat by UCD but most of it was self inflicted.

They fell behind after eight minutes when Sean Riordan put through his own net and despite hitting a brilliant equaliser in the 27th minute when Tommy Byrne unleashed a pile-driver in the back of the UCD net, it was mistake number two that cost them the points.

One blunder in a game is bad but two become a headache. Goalkeeper Robert Forde though he was a footballer and instead of clearing the ball in tried to play around Mick O'Byrne but lost possession to leave any easy chance for the UCD player which he gratefully accepted.

Kilkenny manager Pat Byrne remained positive about the sides play.

"The commitment from my players was excellent. But we committed two basic errors, and were punished. We scored a cracking goal, and in fairness to the lads, we worked very hard", he said.

"All things considered, it was a decent enough performance, but it's disappointing when you play OK, and get nothing out of the game".

UCD: Ryan, McLoughlin, McAuley, Delaney, O'Donnell, Mooney, Martyn, Lynch, Martin, Grogan, O'Byrne

Subs: Kavanagh for Grogan 66, Bennis for Martyn90

Goals: Riordan o.g. 10, O'Byrne 44

Kilkenny City: Forde, Brennan, Byrne, Riordan, Mulcahy, Kenny, Costello, Mullen, Carolan, Kabia, Murray

Subs: Parkes for Mullen 73, Jordan for Kenny 73

Goal: Byrne 27

Referee: E Barr (Dublin)