Toolstation NCEL Division One
Grimsby Borough 2-3 Eccleshill United
Eccleshill United celebrate winning promotion. Picture: George Wood Photography
Eccleshill United will play Premier Division football next season for the first time since 2009 after the inevitably dramatic victory at Grimsby Borough.
Grimsby, who have now lost two consecutive home play-off finals, were heading up until Andy Cooper scored a last minute penalty to send the final into extra-time.
Luke Harrop then scored the goal to propel Sean Regan’s men into the top flight of NCEL football.
The Eagles’ promotion was overshadowed by the serious injury to Scott Manning which caused a 30 minute delay in the first half.
The Bradford-based side enjoyed a fantastic start as red hot Antony Brown fired them ahead in the 23rd minute.
The delay then came as Manning received treatment. When play resumed, equalised for the home side.
Grimsby scored what appeared to be the winner on the hour when poked it home.
However, if the play-offs semi-final was anything to go by, Eccleshill weren’t going to go down without a fight and their reward came through Cooper’s spot kick at the death.
Harrop, a fantastic servant to the Eagles over the last few years, made himself the hero at the end of the first half of extra-time after firing home Levi Maturine’s cross.
Absolutely elated for so much a great club, to be back where the belong! It just proves you don’t need to be arrogant, abusive and have a massive ego, like many clubs in this league to succeed.