Waterford: The rebirth of the Blues

When Dundalk and Waterford United met in a promotion/relegation play-off in November 2012, the two clubs appeared to be travelling in polar opposite directions.

Dundalk, barely clinging to their Premier Division status, had endured a torrid season, including two separate thrashings by Shamrock Rovers to the discordant tune of 6-0 and 7-0. Waterford, who had finished second to champions Limerick in the First Division by just four points, were considered favourites by many to prevail against the struggling Lilywhites in the play-off, especially after they secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg in Oriel Park.

However, on a night of deep disappointment for the Blues on home soil, they lost the second leg 0-2 at the RSC, rudely terminating another false dawn for the club and condemning them to a fifth successive season in the second tier.