Larne manager Gary Haveron described his side’s Conference League exit to Lincoln Red Imps as “heartbreaking” after they surrendered a two-goal aggregate lead late in the tie. The result denies the Irish League champions a second appearance in the competition’s league phase in three years, which Haveron said was disappointing both for the club and for Northern Irish football.

Larne led 2-0 after the first leg and held that advantage until the closing stages of the return match, when Kike Gomez and Manu Toledano scored within two minutes to level the tie. Montel Gibson was then sent off, before Chris Gallagher conceded a penalty in the final minute of extra time; Toledano converted to complete the comeback. Haveron praised Larne’s effort but said missed chances and poor game management in the final stages proved costly.