Dundalk have missed the chance to pull level on points with SSE Airtricity Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Tom Lonergan scored twice for UCD as they beat the Lilywhites 3-2 at Belfield.
The students came from 2-1 down with Lonergan hitting the winner in the 87th minute.
The win moves UCD one point above Finn Harps as the Ballybofey side drop to bottom spot ahead of Sunday’s tie with Shamrock Rovers at the Tallaght Stadium.
Derry City are just a point off the top courtesy of a 1-nil win at home to Bohemians.
Michael Duffy’s superb first-half effort separated the sides.
However, Derry defender Ciaran Coll has been taken to hospital after a fall early in the game rendered him unconscious for ten minutes.
St. Pat’s had Anto Breslin sent-off, and saw Eoin Doyle miss a first-half penalty, but still won 2-nil away to Drogheda United.
And goals from Frank Liivak and Aidan Keena gave Sligo Rovers a 2-nil win at Shelbourne.
Elsewhere Cork City are potentially one win away from the First Division title.
Their 2-1 victory away to ten-man Waterford tonight, coupled with Galway”s 1-1 draw at Cobh, means the Leesiders can seal the title with victory over Galway next week.
