Birmingham City 2-2 London City Lionesses
Louise Quinn rose from the bench for one last appearance with Birmingham City, but their quest to win the Championship title just fell short against London City Lionesses at a raucous St Andew's on Sunday.
The Blues had to win to snatch the league - and with it promotion to the Women's Super League - from the Lionesses' grasp.
A point was enough for the visitors, and they got it, surviving a thrilling late Birmingham onslaught to earn promotion to the WSL for the first time.
Earlier this week, Quinn announced she'd be retiring from football after today's massive showdown.
The Wicklow native has enjoyed a sparkling career at club and international level.
The 34-year-old hadn't played since last October, but her sheer presence almost inspired a remarkable Birmingham recovery.
London City were two goals to the good thanks to Izzy Goodwin and Chantelle Boye-Hlorkah efforts.
However the home crowd was ignited when Emily von Egmond pulled a goal back with a close-range header in the 64th minute.
Roared on by the crowd of 8,749 spectators, Cho So-Hyun then equalised with a brilliant volley in the 86th minute to set up a nail-biting finish that featured 10 minutes of added time.
Quinn entered the fray to huge acclaim and had a late shout for a penalty turned down as Birmingham rained balls into the box, but London City managed to hold on to become the first fully independent women's club to play in the top division.
It was disappointment for Quinn, Lucy Quinn and injured compatriots Lily Agg and Jamie Finn, but it was a sweet moment for Megan Campbell, who came on as a 56th-minute sub for London City Lionesses to help get them over the line. They will replace Crystal Palace in the top flight next season.
