Finn Harps made a late comeback to secure all three points against Longford Town in Ballybofey yesterday, but it still wasn't enough to see them secure their future in the Premier Division following UCD's victory over Galway United. Harps needed to secure all three points and hope for a favour from Galway, but things never seemed to be going their way. Even though the students' lead was pegged back by Galway, Harps found themselves a goal down in the 61st minute, and even when they pulled that goal back a few minutes later, UCD had again gone in front.
However, to be in with any sort of chance they needed to win, and when Niall Bonner rose unmarked to head home Jonathan Speak's cross in the 91st minute, they had done all they could do on the day. Earlier Harps had been stunned when the visitors look the lead following a swift break from defence. Gavin Cullen in the Harps goal made a great save to deny Stephen Kelly, but the rebound fell to Alan Murphy and he headed in from close range. The home side replied right away and were rewarded for their efforts in the 67th minute when Speak's shot was slammed in at the back post by Ray Kenny. Once back on level terms, Harps threw everything forward in search of a winner, but even when it came in the 91st minute, it wasn't enough and they return to the first division after five seasons in the top flight.
FINN HARPS: Cullen, R Kenny, Minnock, Fitzhenry (Scanlon 83 mins), Bradley, McGrenaghan, Mohan (Bonnar 79 mins), J Kenny, Speak, McHugh, Harkin. [ QL]
LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien, Murphy, W Byrne, Riordan, Smith, S Byrne, Kelly, Notaro (Holt 63 mins), O'Connor, Zellor, Gavin (Coyle 63 mins).
Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).
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