Larne manager Tiernan Lynch spoke of his immense pride after the Invermen progressed to a UEFA Conference League play-off with a thrilling penalty shootout win over Ballkani at Inver Park.
The Premiership champions won the shootout 4-1 after goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson saved two penalties but Lynch was also disappointed to see the ugly scenes at the finish as the Kosovo champions struggled to accept the loss.
Defender Aaron Donnelly was sent off following the unsavoury clashes which involved players and staff.
Ballkani levelled the tie on the stroke of half time through Walid Hamidi’s spot-kick but once Ferguson saved two penalties from Hamidi and Ajazaj Engjell, Inver Park erupted.
Larne now take on Gibraltar side Lincoln Red Imps for a place in the lucrative League phase of the competition which would see their €1million prize money triple.
After dismal results for Irish League sides in Europe, this was a sweet victory and Lynch was bursting with pride after the epic battle.
“That’s right up there as one of our best results and nights,” said Lynch. “I thought the fans were outstanding and dragged us through that game for long periods.
“We threw bodies on the line, boys were cramping and going again. I can’t be any more proud of them, the fans and the whole club. The players were outstanding.”
There were shocking scenes at the end as both squads clashed on the pitch and Lynch expressed his dismay.
“To be fair, it happened in both legs and I’m disappointed because we were stupid to get involved in that,” added Lynch.
“Ballkani beat us heavily last year and I thought we were gracious in our defeat. They weren’t so gracious in their defeat last week, things kicked off and again tonight things got out of hand.
“It was a hugely proud moment for us and for it to turn sour like that was very disappointing.”