Wexford Youths book place in Premier Division

Victory over Athlone Town sends club up to top flight for the first time

Wexford Youths players celebrate winning promotion to the Premier Division after victory over Athlone Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday. Photograph:  Ryan Byrne/Inpho
Wexford Youths players celebrate winning promotion to the Premier Division after victory over Athlone Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Wexford Youths have booked their place in next year’s Premier Division by beating Athlone Town 3-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

Having gone close a couple of times in the first half, Danny Furlong's record-breaking 28th goal of the season in the 63rd minute put Shane Keegan's side on course for the top flight, before Eric Molloy and Aidan Keenan made sure in the game's closing stages to spark the celebrations.

It will be the first time that the club has played in the Premier Division. They entered the league in 2007 when they were managed by founder Mick Wallace, who remains the chairman.

Finn Harps guaranteed themselves a place in the play-offs by beating UCD in Ballybofey, where second-half goals from Nathan Boyle, Gareth Harkin and Raymond Foy sent them eight points clear of the students and nine ahead of Shelbourne, who also won 3-0.

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The second play-off spot is now a two-way fight between the Dublin clubs.