Paddy McCourt’s farewell match has lasted just 16 minutes, but Mark Timlin’s goal has Finn Harps on the cusp of a return to the Premier Division.
Half-time: Limerick FC 0 Finn Harps 1 (0-2 on agg)
by Chris McNulty at the Markets Field
In added time at the end of the first half, Timlin pounced to fire home from close range. The ball had been flicked into his path and Timlin was quickest to react to steer past Jack Brady.
McCourt – whose penalty on Monday night had given Harps a narrow lead in the tie – was replaced by Niall Logue in what is his last game in senior football.
The former Celtic and Northern Ireland player is retiring to take up a new job as Head of Academy at Derry City.
McCourt was included in the Harps side, but had to be withdrawn before the game even had time to settle.
Harps had a glorious chance to put themselves ahead on the night, but Timlin – who took the place of the injured Jesse Devers in the Harps XI – clipped the far post with a low effort after getting free in the box on 21 minutes.
On the half-hour, Timlin fashioned a shot from 20 yards, but couldn’t trouble Jack Brady in the Limerick goal.
Just before the break, Danny Morrissey – who joined Limerick from Harps last season – flashed wide after getting free of Sam Todd on the edge of the box.
But there was still time for one more slice of action – and Timlin struck gold to leave Harps just 45 minutes away from a top flight return.
