Super sub Stephen McLaughlin fires Southend United to Wembley play-off final

Inishowen's Stephen McLaughlin is the toast of Southend tonight as his extra-time header booked their place in next week's League Two play-off final at the expense of Stevenage.

The Isle of Doagh man, currently on loan at the club from Nottingham Forest, was a 63rd minute substitute for United who were trailing 2-1 on aggregate prior to his introduction.

The former Clonmany Shamrocks and Derry City winger wasted little time in making an impression however as he set up Ryan Leonard for the equalising goal.

With the sides level on aggregate the game went to extra time and with penalties looming early in the second half of extra time McLaughlin stooped to head home John White's left wing cross and send the home support wild.

They made absolutely sure in the dying seconds when Michael Timlin, who needed 15 stitches following a head collision in the first leg, curled home a third to book their place in the final on Saturday week.