Last‑minute penalty ends Larne’s European dream as Lincoln Red Imps advance

Manu Toledano's last‑minute penalty in the first minute of added time secured a 3‑0 win for the Lincoln Red Imps at Inver Park, ending Northern Ireland Premiership champions Larne’s hopes of progressing in the UEFA Conference League after they had carried a 2‑0 aggregate lead.

Late drama overturns first‑leg lead

Larne entered the second leg with a 2‑0 first‑leg aggregate lead, having won 2‑0 in Gibraltar the week before. The Northern Ireland Premiership champions appeared set for a place in the league stage for the second time in three years.

The Lincoln Red Imps turned the tie around in the final eight minutes. Kike Gomez cut inside and fired a brilliant opening goal for the visitors in the 82nd minute, and three minutes later Manu Toledano headed home from a corner to level the aggregate.

Soon after, Larne were reduced to ten men when forward Montel Gibson received a second yellow card and was sent off. The dismissal left Larne with a numerical disadvantage for the remaining minutes of regular time.

In extra time, Chris Gallagher’s challenge on Toledano earned a penalty. Toledano converted from the spot in the first minute of added time, completing the comeback.

The penalty gave the Lincoln Red Imps a 3‑0 win on the night in the UEFA Conference League, sending Larne out of Europe.

Larne’s exit ends their bid for a second league‑stage appearance in three years and underscores the fine margins of European competition.