Larne Edges FC Ballkani in UEFA Qualifier

Larne achieved a crucial 1-0 victory against FC Ballkani in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifying tie, with Matty Lusty scoring the decisive goal in the last minute of the match. This win marks a significant turnaround from last year's 7-1 aggregate defeat to the same team, showcasing Larne's improved defense and resilience, highlighted by goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson's key saves. The second leg will take place at Inver Park on July 15, offering Larne a chance to advance to the play-off round and potentially secure a spot in the league phase of the competition. Larne's journey to this stage has been challenging, having previously exited the Champions League qualifiers against RFS. The match saw Larne absorb early pressure from Ballkani before growing into the game and creating their own opportunities. This victory sets the stage for an exciting return leg as Larne aims to demonstrate their capabilities on a European platform.