Freddy Hall and his Limerick team-mates are a draw away from surviving relegation in the SSE Airtricity League after securing a 1-0 home win over Finn Harps in the first leg of the promotion/relegation play-off game on Monday.

Harps, looking to gain promotion from the First Division, were happy to sit back and limit Limerick to half chances, their defensive qualities evident, having only conceded 23 goals in 28 league games this season.

Playing with three centre backs, Harps packed five into midfield, with Micky Funston playing as the link between them and striker Nathan Boyle.

Limerick finally took the lead in a scrappy first half when a move down the right flank in the 34th minute enabled Shaun Kelly to produce a stunning strike from 25 yards to beat goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher.

There was almost disaster for the home side soon after when an awkward ball bounced in behind the Limerick defence as Kelly opted to head it to goalkeeper Hall but nodded it past Hall to allow Nathan Boyle to pounce.

There was relief, however, when the on-loan striker found the angle too tight and missed the chance.

Limerick had some anxious moments in the second half as the visiting side increased the pressure.

They eventually hung on for the win which they will take into the deciding second leg tomorrow night.

Hall signed for Limerick in July and his impressive form has been crucial in boosting their survival hopes.

The 30-year-old, who made 21 appearances for Telford last season in the Vanarama National League, joined a struggling Limerick side in July. They had failed to win any of their 18 league matches.

Several other Bermuda players will be in action this weekend, with Reggie Lambe involved in Mansfield Town’s Sky Bet League Two match against Oldham Athletic at home on Saturday.

Rai Simons’s Chesterfield will take on FC United away in the first round of the FA Cup on Monday.

Meanwhile, Jonté Smith and Gloucester City play Tamworth in the Vanarama National League North on Saturday.