Carniny endured a nightmare start to the Play‑Off Cup Final, falling behind after just six minutes when a handball in the box gifted Ballykeel a penalty. The spot‑kick was struck firmly, and although McKillop got a strong hand to it, he couldn’t keep it out as Ballykeel took an early lead.

The Reds, however, responded brilliantly. On 16 minutes, a long ball from Jake Armstrong released Harley Farenden, who showed great awareness to square the ball into Dean Wright. Wright kept his composure and slotted past the keeper to bring Carniny level.

Farenden almost put Carniny ahead shortly after when he broke through on goal, but his attempted lob was read by the Ballykeel keeper, who gathered comfortably.
1–1 at half-time, with everything still to play for.

The second half was tense, tight, and cagey — both sides battling for every ball as the clock ticked towards extra time. But Carniny’s pressure finally told in the dying minutes. A Mark Lowry free‑kick from halfway dropped awkwardly for a Ballykeel defender on the edge of the box. Unaware of his keeper’s position, he tried to chest it back, only to leave it short. Wright reacted instantly, pouncing on the loose ball and firing Carniny into a 2–1 lead with just minutes remaining.

Carniny weren’t done. Deep into injury time, Aaron Johnston delivered a superb cross into the area. Jay Peacock collected it, danced past the keeper, and rolled the ball home to make it 3–1, sparking huge celebrations from the Reds’ support.

The final whistle confirmed it — Carniny are promoted, capping off a determined, disciplined, and dramatic performance on the biggest stage.