Larne, the reigning champions of the Irish Premiership, have put themselves in a strong position to progress to the next round of the UEFA Conference League after securing a dramatic 1-0 victory against FC Ballkani in the first leg of their qualifying tie. The hero of the match was Matty Lusty, who scored the winning goal in the final minute of the game.
This victory is particularly impressive considering that Larne suffered a heavy defeat to Ballkani in the same stage of the competition last year, losing 7-1 on aggregate. However, this time around, Larne’s defense held firm, with goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson making some crucial saves to keep the opposition at bay. Not only did Larne show resilience at the back, but they also created chances of their own, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with.
The second leg of the tie will be played at Larne’s home ground, Inver Park, on July 15th. The winners of this matchup will advance to the play-off round, giving them a chance to secure a place in the League phase of the competition. This is a significant opportunity for Larne to showcase their abilities on a European stage and potentially make history for the club.
It’s worth noting that Larne’s journey to this stage has not been easy. After being knocked out of the Champions League qualifiers in the first round by Latvian side RFS, Larne received a bye into the third round of the Conference League. This means that they have already faced some tough opposition and have had to overcome setbacks along the way.
In the first leg against Ballkani, Larne had to weather an early storm as the home side dominated possession. However, Larne’s defense stood strong, and goalkeeper Ferguson made some crucial saves to keep the game level. As the match progressed, Larne grew into the game and started creating opportunities of their own. Lee Bonis had a powerful shot saved, and Andy Ryan looked dangerous on the attack.
The turning point came in the final minutes of the game when Lusty scored the winning goal. Bonis flicked on Levi Ives’ free-kick, and Lusty was in the right place at the right time to bundle the ball into the back of the net. This late goal not only secured the victory for Larne but also gave them a crucial advantage going into the second leg.
Overall, Larne’s performance against Ballkani showcased their determination and resilience. They showed that they can compete with strong European opponents and have the ability to create scoring opportunities. With the second leg taking place on home soil, Larne will have the support of their fans as they look to secure their place in the play-off round of the Conference League. This is an exciting time for the club and its supporters, and they will be hoping for another heroic performance in the next leg.