Longford Town earned promotion to the Irish Premier Division today as they overcame Shelbourne in the promotion/relegation playoff. Shelbourne, on the other hand, will play in the Irish First Division for the 2021 season.

Rob Manley was the difference between the two sides in the end as he netted the winning strike in the 53^rd minute. It was Dylan Grimes who played an accurate ball into the feet of Manley before the Longford striker’s shot was deflected into the Shel’s net.

De Town lead in the final

Great finish from Manley as his deflected effort puts @LongfordTownFC ahead against @shelsfc (0-1)

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Manley will be particularly pleased to score the winner after missing a penalty in the 1^st half. The penalty came as a result of good determination from Manley before Luke Byrne bundled him to the ground. Byrne was then sent off for a second bookable offence.

Longford controlled the game thereafter as they kept possession effectively and outclassed their opponents for large periods of the game.

Town had the ball in the net again minutes afterwards as Joe Gorman tapped in from close range. The goal, however, didn’t stand as it was ruled offside.

Shelbourne began to threaten Longford towards the end of the game, but it was all too late for the Dublin club. Substitute Jaze Kabia came closest to equalising but his shot from a tight angle was dealt with by Longford goalkeeper Lee Steacy.

Longford were inconsistent at best throughout the league season, but they proved their doubters wrong over the past few weeks as they progressed into the playoffs.

Longford last competed in the Premier Division during the 2016 season where they finished bottom and were automatically relegated. No matter how they fare next season, many Longford fans will be excited to see their team compete at the highest level in Ireland.

LONGFORD ARE IN THE PREMIER DIVISION

FT | @shelsfc 0-1 @LongfordTownFC

Daire Doyle’s side have done it as Manley’s goal is enough to relegate 10-men Shels

What a result and congratulation to De Town! #WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/DJvcFyx05l

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