Lynch hails Larne players after European heroics

Larne manager Tiernan Lynch hailed his players in "flying the flag" for the entire Irish League as they moved to the brink of a historic qualification for the group stages of the Uefa Conference League.

On a dramatic night at Inver Park, Larne beat Kosovan champions Ballkani in a penalty shootout to set up a play-off tie with Gibraltar club Lincoln Red Imps, with the first leg taking place in Faro next week.

Thursday's triumph means Larne are already guaranteed in the region of £850,000 but they would most likely triple that if they become the first Irish League club to reach the group stage of a European club competition.

"This league is better than some people give it credit for," said Lynch following his side's shootout win, after Ballkani's 1-0 win on the night had ensured extra-time and then penalties.

"To go into extra-time and then penalties in such a high tempo game was an incredible feat for them."

Goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson was Larne's shootout hero as he saved two penalties - including an effort from Walid Hamidi, who had beaten him from the spot seconds before half-time in normal time.

Ferguson paid tribute to Lynch and his backroom staff for having the information on the Ballkani penalty takers which enable him to make the tie-winning saves.

"Our guy who does all the analysis basically picked three of the four penalties that were right. That’s a big help for me," said the Scot.

After Ferguson's heroics, Chris Gallagher held his nerve to slot the penalty which secured victory.

Asked what in his mind as he stood up to take the kick in what may have been the biggest moment in the club's history, Gallagher replied: "Nothing really. Full focus was on where I wanted to put my penalty. Lucky enough I put it away and then the celebrations happened.

"We’ve obviously made it clear a few times that we want to be the first [Irish League] side to get through to the group stages of European football. We’re a step closer. It’s going to be a big task but it’s one we’ll prepare for."

Before that, Larne will face Crusaders in the Irish Premiership on Sunday.