LEAGUE OF IRELAND LEAGUE CUP SEMI-FINAL:UCD1 Waterford Utd3

IN-FORM striker Graham Cummins scored twice as Waterford reached their first League Cup final in 24 years.

Marginally second best in the first half, Waterford came into their own after the interval to blow the home side away.

UCD enjoyed the early possession, passing the ball well. But it was Waterford’s more direct approach brought the first scoring chance on nine minutes. College goalkeeper Ger Barron was out-jumped by Cummins from John Kearney’s cross from the left and relieved to see the division’s topscorer’s looping header come back off the bar and into his hands.

If Chris Mulhall had been more accurate with his free header from John Reilly’s cross at the other end two minutes later UCD would have been in front.

Ironically, having been long-ball throughout much of the first half, their first constructive passing move of the match, from which they won a corner, brought Waterford the lead on 58 minutes.

And straight off the training ground it was as defender Kenny Browne peeled off to the back post, wasn’t picked up, and duly planted his header from Kearney’s deliver past Barron.

Clearly rattled, UCD conceded again within six minutes. Kearney’s superb cross from the left was head past the poorly positioned Barron by Cummins.

And Cummins got his second – and 11th in eight games – on 86 minutes by picking his spot after Stephen Grant’s shot was blocked.

College captain Ronan Finn got their consolation goal on 92 minutes from a penalty after Kevin Murray impeded Ciaran Kilduff.

UCD:Barron; Shortall, E McMillan, Boyle, Nagle; Ward, Finn, Bolger, Reilly (Rusk, 60 mins); Mulhall, D McMillan (Kilduff, 60 mins).

WATERFORD UNITED:Devine; Carey, Browne, Murray, Kearney; Warren (Walsh, 82 mins), Long, Grant (Fitzgerald, 89 mins), Waters; Grincell (Kiely, 79 mins), Cummins.

Referee:N Doyle (Dublin).