Dramatic late penalty gives Dundalk hope

Dundalk 1 Waterford United 1

Trevor Vaughan scored a dramatic penalty equaliser two minutes into stoppage time in tonight’s eircom League first leg play-off at a rain-sodden Oriel Park.

With 92 minutes up on the watch, Christy Doran's goalbound volley from Robbie Dunne's long throw was handled by a Blues' defender and Vaughan sent Ben Spicer the wrong way from the spot.

Premier side Waterford, without a win in eight games, had the dream start with the lead goal before scarcely two minutes had elapsed.

Alan Cawley’s corner wasn't defended and Kenny Browne arrived at the back post to scored with a diving header from Robbie Hedderman’s flick.

Dundalk responded well with Vaughan and Brian Kelly bringing good stops out of Spicer before half time.

Utterly dominating the second half, Dundalk's Doran, Vaughan and Keith Dunne came close before Vaughan was coolness personified to give them their due reward with virtually the last kick of the game.