Larne's exit from Europe 'heartbreaking' - Haveron

What the report says

Larne manager Gary Haveron described his side’s defeat to Lincoln Red Imps as “heartbreaking” after the Northern Ireland champions fell short in their bid to reach the league phase of the Uefa Conference League. The BBC Sport Football report said Larne had taken a 2-0 lead from the first leg in Gibraltar and were still level on aggregate deep into the home leg before the tie turned late on.

According to the article, Lincoln Red Imps scored twice in quick succession through Kike Gomez and Manu Toledano to wipe out Larne’s advantage, and Montel Gibson’s second yellow card reduced the Irish League side to 10 men before the end of normal time. Larne then looked set for penalties, but a stoppage-time concession by Chris Gallagher in extra time gave Toledano a chance to settle the contest, which he converted.

Haveron told BBC Sport NI that his team had been “brilliant” for much of the game but had not made enough of their chances. He also pointed to key moments and small margins, including a disputed handball in the buildup to one of the goals. While disappointed, he said he was proud of the players’ effort and stressed the importance of strong support for Irish League clubs competing in Europe.

The result denied Larne a second appearance in the Conference League’s main stage in three years, underlining how fine the margins can be in continental qualifying.