Larne are well placed to progress from the third qualifying round of the Uefa Conference League after recording a heroic 1-0 away victory over Kosovan champions FC Ballkani in the first leg of the tie in Pristina.
Matty Lusty was the goal hero for last season’s Irish Premiership champions, hitting the ball into the net from five yards after Lee Bonis had connected with Levi Ives’ free-kick from the right in the final minute.
Tiernan Lynch’s men defended firmly throughout the game, with goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson making some good saves, but also creating his own chances.
The result was all the more impressive as Larne lost 7-1 on aggregate to Ballkani in the second round of the Conference League qualifiers 12 months ago, including a 3-0 away defeat.
The second leg will be played at Inver Park on Thursday 15th July, with the winners progressing to the play-off stage and having the opportunity to secure a place in the League stage.
Larne received a bye in the third round after exiting the Champions League qualifiers in the first round with a 7–0 aggregate defeat to the RFS.
Late goal after tough battle
The home team, who beat Maltese side Hamrun in the previous round, enjoyed most of the early possession and Walid Hamidi forced Ferguson into a smart save in the 15th minute.
Andy Ryan looked dangerous for the visitors, forcing Enea Kolici to save in the hosts’ goal.
Ballkani increased the pressure and the Irish League champions had Ferguson to thank again when Bernard Karrica picked up a loose ball and shot to the left of the box before unleashing a low shot which the Larne goalkeeper caught with his foot and deflected the ball away. wide.
Karrica was wasteful again soon after when he could only head the ball into the ground, but his blushes were somewhat spared when an offside flag was raised.
Larne started the second half brighter and Lee Bonis’ low shot from 25 yards was well saved by Kolici.
Ferguson denied Almir Kryeziv with his feet and the ball fell to Lindon Emerllahu on the edge of the box, but he shot wide.
Ryan’s cross ricocheted off Ballkani’s post late on before Lusty’s late intervention put his side in command ahead of next week’s second leg.
