Belfast
Larne FC, fresh Northern Irish champions crashed out of the Champions League on Tuesday after a frustrating 0-0 draw. The first match ended in a 1-0 victory for the HJK, which meant that the Finns will progress.
Anticipation was high for Larne’s first ever Champions League match at home. The away match, a 1-0 defeat, still left hopes high for progression on Tuesday.
The first half went by without much happening. Larne controlled the ball, but couldn’t find the quality in the final third. The visitors had the best chance, with first leg goalscorer Bojan Radulovic missing a header off a corner by inches.
Larne lifted the tempo in the second half. First, striker Lee Bonis did well to free his foot in the box and get off a strong shot from the penalty spot, which went just wide. Then, midfielder Joe Thomson’s free kick was just over the crossbar.
With additional time announced, desperation started descending on the pitch. Surely Larne wouldnt go down with a whimper like this. One more chance was on the cards. Bonis launched one from 25 meters, heading for the top corner. It was goalkeeper Jesse Öst who denied him, however, and sent his side through.