Sligo Rovers put six points between themselves and the relegation play-off spot with a valuable win over a flat UCD at the Bowl.

Dante Leverock’s second league goal of the season and David Cawley’s goal straight from a corner, helped Rovers towards their fourth victory of the season.

Sligo, with just one win in their last five, started the brighter and had half chances through both Cawley and Ronan Coughlan.

UCD’s first sight at goal arrived 18 minutes in to a first half which lacked cutting edge in front of goal.

Conor Davis’ whipped free kick from distance forcing Rovers goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney to palm the ball over his crossbar.

Romeo Parkes seemed like the away side’s beacon of hope in what was a frustrating opening period for Liam Buckley’s men.

He could only head straight at Conor Kearns mid-way through however after latching on to Regan Donelon’s swerving cross.

Beeney was again tested before the break.

The ex-Chelsea man looked uncomfortable in dealing with Davis’ next go at goal. But did just enough to scramble the low drive around his post.

The Westerners should have gone ahead after the re-start.

Parkes’ through ball teeing up Coughlan just yards from goal, but there was too little intent in the effort as Kearns easily gathered.

The opener did arrive on Sligo’s next visit to the UCD goalmouth.

Coughlan returning Donelon’s corner, which was only half cleared, back into the area for the imposing Leverock to head home for his third goal in all competitions.

The lively Parkes fired over from the angle on 73 after his deft touch took him into space on the Students’ right side.

Sligo had their insurance goal ten minutes from time.

Cawley’s corner caught the UCD backline sleeping as the set-piece drifted all the way to the back post before sneaking in.

Collie O’Neill’s under-par charges did have the chance to cut Rovers’ lead three minutes from time.

But Richie O’Farrell, in space, could only slice his half-volley wide of the target as the Dubliners continue to sit second from bottom.

UCD: Conor Kearns; Evan Farrell (Sean McDonald 80), Liam Scales, Josh Collins, Mark Dignam; Paul Doyle, Richie O’Farrell; Neil Farrugia, Timmy Molloy (Gary O’Neill 66), Kevin Coffey (Yoyo Mahdy 70); Conor Davis.  

Sligo Rovers: Mitchell Beeney; Johnny Dunleavy, Dante Leverock, John Mahon, Lewis Banks; Kris Twardek (Liam Kerrigan 87), Jack Keaney, David Cawley, Regan Donelon; Ronan Coughlan (Ronan Murray 58), Romeo Parkes.  

Referee: Sean Grant.