Europa Conference League: Linfield's bid for glory ends in tears at Windsor
Linfield have missed the chance to become the first-ever Irish League side to reach the lucrative group stages of a European competition.
It was heartbreak for the Blues as they lost on penalties to Latvia's RFS in the second leg of their Europa Conference League play-off at Windsor Park last night (Thursday).
Having dominated most of the 120 minutes (including extra time) played - and 1-0 up with just seconds remaining - Linfield looked certain to take the tie and become history makers.
Kyle McClean's composed strike in the first half of extra time had put the home side in command - but, then, cruelly an own goal from skipper Jimmy Callacher meant the game would be decided on spot-kicks.
RFS then came into their own - bagging four straight penalties - while the Blues missed two of theirs.