UCD 2-3 Derry City

Mark Farren celebrates after scoring for Derry City at Belfield

Peter Hutton's goal two minutes from time gave Derry victory in their Eircom Premier Division opener against UCD at Belfield on Friday night.

Ruairdhi Higgins put City ahead on 20 minutes and striker Mark Farren doubled the lead four minutes later.

But the students fought back with forward Paul Byrne pulling one back after 36 minutes before Conor Kenna levelled seven minutes after the break.

However, Hutton popped up with the late winner to give Derry the perfect start.

After the match, Hutton said it had been "a very tough game, just as we expected".

"We were flying in the first half hour and led 2-0, but we then conceded a sloppy goal and that gave them a bit of confidence going in at half-time.

"The second goal gave them even more heart but it shows the resilience and character in our team that we rallied and came up with a winner.

"We failed to win in Dublin at all last season but a win is a win and it is nice to get off to a good start," said Hutton.