Larne sit on the verge of a Play-Off place in the UEFA Conference League as they look to close out a 1-0 lead in their third qualifying round tie against Kosovan side Ballkani.
Follow all the action on our LIVE blog below!
Larne
0
:
1
Ballkani
Walid Hamidi
45′
Credit where it’s due, that’s an excellent spot kick from Hamidi, who fires it hard and high into the net to leave Rohan Ferguson with no chance of making the save.
Ballkani up on the night and level in the tie, 1-1.
Cian Bolger and Sunday Adetunji are jostling for the ball on the edge of the box, the former tries to put a foot in but he fells his man and the referee this time points to the spot. Unfortunately, it looks like the right call.
A good chance for the Inver Reds as a rapid counter attack ends with Ryan cutting inside onto his left foot before firing on goal, but it’s straight at Enea Kolici and the goalkeeper is able to make the stop.
Another excellent block for Larne as Tomas Cosgrove throws himself in front of a shot, and Marsel Ismailgeci’s delivery from the left is cleared away after some pinball in the box.
Penalty appeal
Almir Kryeziu goes down in the box under pressure from Cian Bolger and looks to the referee but he emphatically says no penalty. It would have been a soft one if that had been given.
Great save by Rohan Ferguson, the best of the game thus far! A cross from the right by Geralb Smajli is headed down and to the feet of Lindon Emerllahu, but the Kosovan can’t get a clean connection on it. It’s still a chance for the visitors and Ferguson has to react quickly to get down and make the save!
Cian Bolger cuts out a deep delivery and puts it behind for the set piece, where another deep cross is headed away.
The first real opportunity for either side as a ball is delivered into the centre and Andy Ryan is able to control and shoot on the spin, but a slight nick off a defender takes the sting off the shot and Enea Kolici is able to palm the shot away comfortably.
A first corner of the game and it’s for the Kosovans but a long delivery over the top from Almir Kryeziu goes harmlessly through and out for a goal kick. Larne have done superbly well to keep Ballkani quiet so far, Rohan Ferguson has had practically nothing to do.
So close to the opening goal in this game as Tomas Cosgrove drives down the left wing and swings a wonderful ball across the face of goal for Joe Thomson at the back post, however the Scot can’t manage to guide his effort into the top corner, although in fairness he was moving away from goal when he shot.
A foul on the edge of the box and Larne have a dangerous free-kick on the left-hand side of the box.
It comes to nothing, though, as a pre-planned move is quickly dealt with by the Ballkani defence.
Here come the teams
Larne are in their usual red shirts and white shorts, Ballkani in their change black shirts and black shorts.
Almost game time!
Ten minutes to kick-off
Will this be a famous night for Larne or are Ballkani going to spoil the party?
FC BALLKANI: Enea Kolici; Marsel Ismailgeci, Arber Potoku, Bajram Jashanica (captain), Astrit Thaqi; Geralb Smajli, Queven, Lindon Emerllahu, Walid Hamidi; Sunday Adetunji, Almir Kryeziu.
Replacements: Art Miftari, Damir Ljuljanovic, Gentrit Halili, Egzon Sinani, Engjell Ajazaj, Krenar Dulaj, Merlind Kodra, Giovanni, Eris Abedini, Bleart Tolaj.
Hello and welcome…
… to our LIVE blog of the second leg of Larne’s Conference League third qualifying round tie against Kosovan side Ballkani at Inver Park.
Kick-off is at 8pm.