Larne produced a strong performance but were unable to find a breakthrough against FK Auda in the first leg of the First Qualifying Round of the UEFA Conference League tie.
The game, played at a sunny Ballymena Showgrounds, was an entertaining affair despite finishing goalless. The Invermen had first half chances through Conor McKendry, Dan Bent and almost led thanks to an own goal, which was saved by Roberts Ozols.
After the break Paul O’Neill’s header was well saved by Ozols, while Jordan McEneff has a close range effort blocked.
Auda’s best opportunity came 11 minutes from time when Kader Kone came off the bench to test Rohan Ferguson, with tie delicately poised ahead of next Wednesday’s second leg in Riga.
Larne: Ferguson, Donnelly, Gallagher, McKendry (’87 O’Connor), Randall (’69 Magee), O’Neill (’69 Lusty), Graham, Nolan, McEneff, Cosgrove, Bent
Subs: Graham, Collett, Ridley, Kee, Hastings, Wallace, Simpson
FK Auda: Ozols, Hrvoj, Erquiaga, Clemente, Nguena, Monteiro (’87 Ruebenis), Laurentino (’35 Traore), Godinho, Varslavans, Melniks, Jeudi (‘46 K Kone)
Subs: Aleksandrovs,, Ogunji, Abdul, Gerold, Camara, IP Kone
Referee: Heini Ziskason Viooy (Faroe Islands)
