Europa Conference League: Strong showing from 3 Irish League clubs
Last updated 9th Jul 2021
Bala Town 0-1 Larne
Playing in their first ever European game, Larne made a perfect start away to their Welsh opponents. Davy McDaid was always likely to provide the threat, and it was the striker who gave them a second minute lead, keeping his cool to lob the keeper after a defensive slip. The Welsh side battled hard and rallied as they tried to find a way back into the game, but Larne held on for a famous win, and will feel confident of finishing the job back at Inver Park.
Glentoran 1-1 The New Saints
After 13 minutes Leo Smyth scored a superb goal for the visitors, beating several men as he strolled into the box, dancing around the Glens defence before casually finishing into the bottom corner. Glentoran only created one real chance in the first half, but it was uncharacteristically blasted wide by Robbie McDaid from 8 yards on the verge of half-time. Sub Andrew Mitchell drew a great save with a header before Jamie McDonagh pulled the Glens level with a neat finish from close range in the 82nd minute. The Glens may feel they should have won the game though, as Rhys Marshall headed wide from 6 yards out in added time.
Velez Mostar 2-1 Coleraine
Bannsiders boss Oran Kearney wanted to make sure his side came back home with something to show for their efforts, and that target was met inside 8 minutes in Sarajevo. Ben Doherty crashed a long-range drive past the keeper from 25 yards to open the scoring in Bosnia-Herzegovina. The home side pulled themselves level from the spot with a 36th minute Brandao penalty. Coleraine then had Lyndon Kane red carded in the 66th minute, and Brandao tucked away another spot kick to give his side the advantage they held until the end.