Finn Harps 2 (2)
Limerick 0 (1)
(AET)
A BJ BANDA header three minutes before the end of extra-time this evening in Ballybofey sent Finn Harps into the SSE Airtircity League Premier Division for 2016.
In what seemed like a reversal of roles, Finn Harps — who trailed 1-0 from the first-leg — dominated the ball for most of the opening half of this second and decisive meeting.
Both sides had huge chances to take the lead inside half-an-hour. Damien McNulty’s effort in a crowded Limerick box was well cleared off the line before his follow-up seemed to strike Robbie Williams on the hand.
Limerick themselves had an effort cleared off the line via the head of Williams. Shane Tracy’s corner from the right found the Yorkshireman unmarked inside the six-yard box but Harps were on hand to clear.
The lead goal arrived on 38 minutes. After Patrick Kanyuka misjudged a through ball, Michael Funston got beyond Freddy Hall to roll it over the line. Assistant referee Damien McGrath flagged to confirm the home side’s lead as Ballybofey was sent into raptures.
As fatigue played its part, chances were few and far between. Little else of note graced the first 90 minutes.
As Limerick began to look the fitter in extra-time, Harps threatened in behind through Banda, and it was the 17-year-old who headed home Damien McNulty’s cross on 117 minutes to send Ollie Horgan’s men to the top-tier for the first time since 2008.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Keith Cowan, Packie Mailey; Josh Mailey, Gareth Harkin (Kieran McDaid, 101), Raymond Foy, Tony McNamee, Ciaran Coll; Micky Funston (Matthew Crossan, 96); Kevin McHugh (BJ Banda, 103).
Limerick: Freddy Hall; Shaun Kelly, Patrick Kanyuka (Sean Russell, 57), Robbie Williams, Shane Tracy; Shane Duggan; Ian Turner, Lee Lynch, Paul O’Conor, Dean Clarke (Ross Mann, 110); Vinny Faherty.
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)
