Eddie Seydak has steered Limavady United to promotion

Limavady United secured promotion to the Irish League's Premier Division by beating Carrick Rangers at home on Saturday.

The three points meant Eddie Seydak's side were assured of one of the four automatic promotion places from the First Division.

Third-placed Limavady went into the lead with a David Patton goal on 24 minutes.

Carrick's top goalscorer Crawford McRae equalised 10 minutes into the second half after Justin McNerlin has missed a penalty for United.

However, Mark McDaid (71) and Patton (83) scored to give Limavady a 3-1 victory and that place in the new 16-team top flight for 2003-04.

Meanwhile, Dungannon Swifts are on the verge of winning the First Division title after coming from behind to beat Bangor at Stangmore Park.

With title rivals Ballymena United losing at Larne, Dungannon's success saw them open a four-point lead with just two games left.

Former Glentoran striker Brian Russell gave Bangor the lead on 17 minutes.

Scott Walker levelled in the 65th minute and then a late own goal by Bangor keeper Ryan Brown gave the Swifts all three points.

Oran Kearney gave Ballymena the lead at Inver Park but Larne claimed victory thanks to late goals from Mark Dickson and Mark Parker.

Larne and Bangor will be involved in a tense battle for the fourth automatic promotion spot. After Saturday's results both sides are on 39 points.

Andy Massey and Timmy Adamson were on target as Ballyclare Comrades beat Armagh City at Dixon Park.