Rafter ensures victory with brace of goals

Waterford United 0 Dundalk 2

(Dundalk won 4-2 on aggregate)

Michael Rafter returned to the RSC to haunt former club Waterford United with a brace of goals to ensure Dundalk remain in the Premier Division next season.

Both sides had good chances before Dundalk snatched the lead in the final minute of the first half.

Skipper Chris Shields hooked the ball into the area from the right and Rafter showed brilliant control to turn and drill a low shot to the net off his left foot.

Dundalk keeper Peter Cherrie made two saves to deprive Peter White and then Ben Ryan, before Dundalk hit Blues on the counterattack on 69 minutes.

Mark Griffin helped on a clearance and Rafter availed of a slip by Blues' defender John Frost to race away and calmly shoot past Packie Holden.