Newry City reach the Premiership for the first time since reforming as Carrick Rangers crash out

Newry City have been promoted to the Northern Irish Premiership for the first time since the old club was liquidated in 2012.

City sealed a fourth promotion in five years thanks to a 6-3 aggregate win over Carrick Rangers in the promotion/relegation play-off, having finished second behind Institute in the Championship.

Leading 3-2 following the first leg at the Showgrounds, having fought back from an early 2-0 deficit to go ahead in the tie in front of their home fans.

Second-goals from Mark McCabe and Mark Hughes, after Stephen Hughes had equalised before the break, helped Newry to a 3-1 victory at the Belfast Loughshore Hotel Arena in Carrickfergus.

The club were entered into Intermediate Division B, the fifth tier of the Northern Irish pyramid, following the dissolution of Newry City FC and formation of a new club, Newry City AFC.

They were promoted three times in four years to reach the Championship last season, and performed above expectations to finish second ahead of H&W Welders.