Vaughan points way for Dubs

Mark Vaughan ensured that there was to be no repeat of the 1991 saga when he kicked eight points to steer Dublin past Meath and into the Leinster SFC semi-finals at Croke Park yesterday.

The flamboyant Kilmacud Crokes star, who wasn't even named on the Dublin team but who started at left full-forward in an attack that was re-arranged after Shane Ryan moved to midfield in place of Darren Magee, pointed four frees, a '45' and a line-ball, as well as kicking two points from play.

It was a much-improved performance by Dublin although they again dipped into their trademark lull for 20 minutes in the second half, during which they failed to score.

Meath pared the lead back to a single point during that period but Dublin weren't going to be caught this time and finished powerfully, scoring three points in the closing minutes.

If Vaughan was Dublin's top gun, Stephen Bray was hugely effective for Meath, scoring four excellent points, but it wasn't enough to keep their Leinster ambitions afloat and they now head for the All-Ireland qualifiers, which begin on July 7.

Meanwhile, Dublin return to Croke Park to take on Offaly next Sunday as they attempt to win the Leinster title for a third successive year - something they last achieved in 1994.