Boss Tiernan Lynch vows Larne will bounce back strong after ‘tough’ Ballkani defeat
Larne's Leroy Millar
Tiernan Lynch says his side will learn a lot from their Europa Conference League qualifying defeat in Kosovo
Larne striker Andy Ryan aims a shot at goal during the game in Pristina against Ballkani
Larne manager Tiernan Lynch admitted it was a tough night for his men in Pristina, but vowed that they will regroup and come out fighting in the second leg despite trailing 3-0 against Ballkani.
The Invermen are staring down the barrel of a European exit after the first-leg defeat in their Europa Conference League Second Qualifying Round tie in Kosovo.
A 25th-minute penalty from Albion Rrahmani and further goals from Almir Kryeziu and Nazmi Gripshi leave the Kosovan champions in a commanding position ahead of the return leg at Solitude on Thursday, August 3.
“It was a tough night at the office, they were a good side and we probably didn’t defend as well as we expected,” reflected Lynch.
“It would be easy for me to throw cups around or lose my head, but it wasn’t about that. We need to assess things and have a go in the second leg. After going a few goals down, we lost a bit of confidence and weren’t brave enough.”
Tiernan Lynch says his side will learn a lot from their Europa Conference League qualifying defeat in Kosovo
Larne went into the tie on the back of last week’s disappointing 3-2 aggregate defeat after extra-time at the hands of Finnish side HJK Helsinki in the First Qualifying Round of the Champions League.
“It was a difficult game for us. The big difference from HJK was they were penetrative and went forward at every opportunity,” added Lynch.
“They caused us real problems and knocked the ball around really well.
“They played in the group stages last year and it showed. There is a lot of quality
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
