Vaughan the hero again

Waterford United 1 Dundalk 2 (Dundalk win 3-2 on aggregate)

Trevor Vaughan scored twice late on as he was Dundalk’s heroes once again.

But though the First Division side won this play-off, it’s unlikely be enough to see them promoted to the new FAI Premiership on their overall results over the last four years.

Waterford’s livewire Daryl Kavanagh broke the deadlock on 68 minutes.

Dundalk felt that John Flanagan was fouled by Kavanagh as the striker ran through onto Paul McCarthy’s pass.

But referee Anthony Buttimer waved play on and Kavanagh scampered on to shoot past Chris Bennion.

Buttimer made amends to Dundalk eight minutes later when giving a penalty for a dubious foul by Robbie Hedderman on Philip Hughes.

Vaughan, as he did to salvage a draw very late on in Wednesday’s first leg, calmly slotted home the spot kick.

Vaughan then won it for Dundalk on 86 minutes.

David Hoey’s header played him in on goal and the languid striker ran on to shoot low to the net off the far post.