Lynch hails Larne players after European heroics

Larne head Tiernan Lynch hailed his players successful "flying nan flag" for nan full Irish League arsenic they moved to nan brink of a historical qualification for nan group stages of nan Uefa Conference League.

On a melodramatic nighttime astatine Inver Park, Larne hit Kosovan champions Ballkani successful a punishment shootout to group up a play-off necktie pinch Gibraltar nine Lincoln Red Imps, pinch nan first limb taking spot successful Faro adjacent week.

Thursday's triumph intends Larne are already guaranteed successful nan region of £850,000 but they would astir apt triple that if they go nan first Irish League nine to scope nan group shape of a European nine competition.

"This convention is amended than immoderate group springiness it in installments for," said Lynch pursuing his side's shootout win, aft Ballkani's 1-0 triumph connected nan nighttime had ensured extra-time and past penalties.

"To spell into extra-time and past penalties successful specified a precocious tempo crippled was an unthinkable feat for them."

Goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson was Larne's shootout leader arsenic he saved 2 penalties - including an effort from Walid Hamidi, who had beaten him from nan spot seconds earlier half-time successful normal time.

Ferguson paid tribute to Lynch and his backroom unit for having nan accusation connected nan Ballkani punishment takers which alteration him to make nan tie-winning saves.

"Our feline who does each nan study fundamentally picked 3 of nan 4 penalties that were right. That’s a large thief for me," said nan Scot.

After Ferguson's heroics, Chris Gallagher held his nervus to slot nan punishment which secured victory.

Asked what successful his mind arsenic he stood up to return nan footwear successful what whitethorn person been nan biggest infinitesimal successful nan club's history, Gallagher replied: "Nothing really. Full attraction was connected wherever I wanted to put my penalty. Lucky capable I put it distant and past nan celebrations happened.

"We’ve evidently made it clear a fewer times that we want to beryllium nan first [Irish League] broadside to get done to nan group stages of European football. We’re a measurement closer. It’s going to beryllium a large task but it’s 1 we’ll hole for."

Before that, Larne will look Crusaders successful nan Irish Premiership connected Sunday.