Harps jubilant as late Banda header denies Kerry

First Division: Kerry FC 1 Finn Harps 2 

BJ Banda headed home deep in stoppage time to secure Finn Harps a dramatic late winner in Tralee, maintaining their fight for promotion. 

Kerry defender Samuel Aladesanusi rose high to head home a Cian Brosnan corner late on to level for the home side, but Banda was the matchwinner in the dying embers, giving Dave Rogers' side a late dramatic win.

Harps move seventh in the table.

It was a slow start, with both teams knocking the ball around well, but neither keeper being troubled.

Harps had appeals for a penalty turned down in the 22nd minute, Kevin Williams looked to shove into the back of Ferry, but nothing was awarded by the referee. 

Harps then had all the ball and Stephen Doherty flashed a shot from the edge of the box that had Lee Axworthy down to save.

Harps had a free given as Sean O’Donnell was tackled by Williams. Flood and Tony McNamee both stepped over the set-piece, both specialists, McNamee struck low and hard around the wall on the right aimed for Axworthy’s near post, but the Kerry shotstopper got down fast to push away for a corner. Flood whipped in the corner, Wara headed it over once more.

Harps had the ball in the net after 35 minutes, but Ferry was flagged offside. O'Donnell was through on goal with Axworthy, he left it for Ferry but he strayed offside and the game remained scoreless. That mix-up was a massive let off for Kerry.

O'Donnell with minutes left in the half played Jamie Watson down the right wing, but his strike at goal was left and wide, maybe a little rushed or scuffed, but Axworthy was stretching to his far post. 

Harps had an early chance to start the second half, Doherty crossed to the back post where Watson could gather, he crossed into