Larne lose 2-1 to Iberia 1999 after extra-time in Europa League qualifier
Larne were eliminated from the Europa League third-qualifying round, falling 2-1 to FC Iberia 1999 after extra-time in Tbilisi.
Larne entered the Europa League third-qualifying round against Georgian side FC Iberia 1999 after a goalless first leg in Northern Ireland. In the second leg, Vakho Bedoshvili gave the hosts the lead with fourteen minutes left, but Academy graduate James Simpson struck back a minute later to force extra-time. Early in the added period, Nika Sikharulashvili capitalised on a pass from Nikoloz Dadiani to secure a 2-1 victory.
The loss eliminates Larne from the Europa League, dashing any prospect of a high-profile tie with Rangers. Consequently, the club now drops into the Conference League, where it will face either Lincoln Red Imps or Omonia Nicosia in a play-off for a group-stage spot.
Why it matters
The result ends Larne's Europa League run and shifts them to the lower-tier Conference League competition.
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