Bargary winner against Finn Harps keeps Kerry's play-off hopes alive

Kerry recovered from an early setback against Finn Harps to win 2-1 in Donegal, keeping them in touch with play-off chasing rivals Cobh Ramblers and Longford

Cian Bargary scored a 79th minute winner for Kerry. Pic: Michael P Ryan/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity First Division: Finn Harps 1 Kerry FC 2

Kerry FC struck twice in a seven minute spell as they came from behind to beat Finn Harps in Ballybofey to keep alive their hopes of snatching a First Division promotion play-off spot.

Samuel Aladesanusi got a 71st minute equaliser and substitute Cian Bargary then pounced to silence the Finn Park faithful with what turned out to be the winner.

This result, combined with others elsewhere, leaves Colin Healy’s charges in sixth spot, behind Longford in the lowest play-off berth only in terms of goals scored as their goal difference is identical.

Kerry’s final two games are both Munster derbies, away to Cobh Ramblers and concluding with a home fixture against champions Cork City.

Bottom of the table Finn Harps went into this match with just one win in their last 11 league games, but the Donegal side got off to a great start with attacking midfielder Bernardo Monteiro giving his side a third minute lead.

And the Portuguese playmaker then had an opportunity to double his side’s tally after Darragh Coyle was fouled inside the box on 20 minutes, but Kerry’s highly-rated goalkeeper Matthew Connor got down well to save the resulting penalty.

The Waterford native had earlier denied Harps' Aaron McLaughlin and also did well to get to a deflected shot in what was a well contested first half that saw Kerry looking useful from set-pieces.

Kerry never stopped battling but there was a touch of controversy about their leveller after they scored from a controversial corner with Aladesanusi hooking the ball in for his first league goal since he scored against the same opposition back in April 2025.

Monteiro squandered a chance to restore Harps’ lead and Kerry swept up to the other end and Bargary was at the back post to guide the ball home to give them the full points.

Kerry's chances of reaching the play-offs were boosted by a late equaliser for Wexford as they drew 3-3 at home to Longford. The away side looked to have improved their hopes of reaching the play-offs when Alex O'Brien put them 3-2 ahead after 81 minutes but Kian Dignam got an equaliser for Wexford eight minutes later. Wexford had taken a 2-0 lead but two goals in three minutes just after the hour mark got Longford level. UCD strengthened their place in the play-offs with a 4-0 victory away to Treaty United. The Students are third. 

Finn Harps: Sheridan; Brogan, Bradley-Walsh, J. McAteer (Hutchison, 81), Coyle; Harkin; Monteiro, McKenlay, McDaid, McNamee (Bosakani, 81); McLaughlin (Priosti, 43).

Kerry: Connor; Aladesanusi, Brosnan (Keane, 68), Perez (Bargary, h-t); Murphy, Borden, Lee, Hakkinen; McGrath (Healy, 89), Brookwell, O’Connell.

Referee: E. Eaton.