UEFA Conference League: Larne 1, Gent 0 – Final Whistle
Goodnight!published at 22:30 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
And so it concludes! Larne caps off their UEFA Conference League adventure with a magnificent 1-0 triumph over Gent at the iconic Windsor Park. A monumental moment for the club as they leave the group stage with their heads held high.
For an in-depth analysis of the match, check out Richard Petrie’s report here.
Thank you for tuning in this evening. Wishing you a pleasant night!
Postpublished at 22:29 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
A quick pivot for Larne as they shift focus back to the Irish Premiership, with a crucial encounter against Dungannon Swifts slated for Monday night at Stangmore Park.
We’ll have live text coverage and in-play clips for that match, and we hope you can join us!
Postpublished at 22:24 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
Image source, Pacemaker Press
The question on everyone’s lips: did Larne manager Gary Haveron wear a smile when the final whistle blew?
Postpublished at 22:16 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
In another feather to their cap, Larne announced earlier today that Tomas Cosgrove, the club’s longest-serving player, has committed his future by signing a new two-and-a-half-year deal.
A win in Europe coupled with this new contract—surely a delightful Christmas present for the Larne faithful?
‘It will live long in the memory’published at 22:13 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
Goalscorer Tomas Cosgrove speaking on TNT Sports:
“I’m speechless. I said earlier everything just seems to be written in the stars for me at Larne. My boys are mascot tonight.”
“I told the boys at half-time that this could be our last time here, and I just happen to be the one who gets the goal. It will be something that will live long in the memory.”
“It’s crucial to get points on the board; you don’t want to be the team left with zero. To do it is massive for the club, and you could see the fans were brilliant tonight, unbelievable.”
Postpublished at 22:10 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
Stay with us for more insights and reactions following this historic result!
Celebrating in stylepublished at 22:07 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
Image source, Getty ImagesTomas Cosgrove celebrates with his teammates after his sensational goal.
Postpublished at 22:05 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
The victory means Gent finishes the league stage of the Europa Conference League in 17th place, leading to an unseeded status in the upcoming play-offs.
Postpublished at 22:02 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
FT: Larne 1-0 Gent
What a monumental night for Larne Football Club!
Players are now on the pitch, celebrating with boss Gary Haveron in jubilant unison.
FULL-TIMEpublished at 21:59 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
With tonight’s victory, Larne solidifies their place in the history books as the first team from Northern Ireland to clinch a triumph in a European competition’s group stage.
Postpublished at 21:59 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
In the closing moments, Joe Thomson receives treatment for a head injury, which leaves Larne on the cusp of finishing the match with ten men.
Postpublished at 21:57 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
As the ball ricochets around the penalty area, home fans breathe a sigh of relief as no Gent player can capitalize on the pandemonium.
You could argue that this eight minutes of added time felt like an eternity for the Larne supporters!
Postpublished at 21:54 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
The clock has ticked through half of the eight minutes of extra time.
Gent are undoubtedly launching everything they have into this final push, yet they’ve struggled to create any meaningful opportunities during stoppage time.
Postpublished at 21:52 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
As we inch closer to the eight-minute mark for added time, the question looms: can Larne hold their ground?
SUBSTITUTIONSpublished at 21:51 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
Larne makes strategic changes with the introduction of Conor McKendry, Benji Magee, and Dylan Sloan.
Out go Cricky Gallagher, Matthew Lusty, and Andy Ryan, adding fresh legs to the dying minutes of the game.
Postpublished at 21:50 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
In a remarkable display of commitment, Joe Thomson stretches for a defensive cover on a loose ball that could have spelled disaster, showcasing the grit of a true warrior.
What a pivotal moment that could prove to be in the context of the match!
Postpublished at 21:47 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
Once again, Sam Todd proves his worth defensively, intervening with another crucial header to deny Omri Gandelman from making contact with an incoming delivery.
Both players momentarily require treatment—a testament to the fierce battle in the trenches tonight.
Postpublished at 21:45 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
Mathias Delorge’s cross was confidently deflected out of danger by Sam Todd, who has certainly put forth an impressive performance tonight in defense.
Postpublished at 21:44 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
Gent earn a free-kick just outside the box after a careless challenge from Andy Ryan.
YELLOW CARDpublished at 21:43 Greenwich Mean Time 19 December
Larne 1-0 Gent
Sean Graham has now joined the ranks of cautioned players, becoming the second Larne player to receive a yellow card tonight.
Tomas Cosgrove’s sublime second-half strike propelled Larne to a historic 1-0 victory against Gent in their UEFA Conference League campaign, ensuring they finish on a high note.
After an unfortunate streak of five consecutive losses in the league stage, the champions of the Irish Premiership defied the odds to outclass their Belgian opponents and secure their inaugural points in this prestigious competition.
Cosgrove broke the deadlock with a well-placed shot in the 74th minute, following a clever flick-on by Andy Ryan that set up Sean Graham for a pinpoint cross.
As the first-ever Irish League club to reach the league or group stages of a major European tournament, this victory marks another significant triumph for the east Antrim side and the entire Irish Premiership.
Additionally, the win comes with a financial boost of 400,000 euros (£330,252) and lifts Larne from the foot of the league table, advancing them from 36th to 34th place.
This success arrives amidst upheaval at the club, as long-serving manager Tiernan Lynch departed to Derry City midway through the campaign, and Nathan Rooney’s assistant Gary Haveron stepped into head coach role after Rooney’s Uefa Pro Licence issues.
For Gent, the loss sees them trapped in the 17th position, relegated to the play-off stages scheduled for March.
Chances at both ends
Larne kicked off with intensity, nearly taking the lead early as Sam Todd just missed connecting with Mark Randall’s tantalizing cross.
Gent’s Archie Brown misfired, and goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson was called into action, deflecting a header from Omri Gandelman.
A tense moment followed when Andri Gudjohnsen’s header seemed destined for the back of the net, only for a deflection to send it out of danger for the hosts.
The most notable chance of the first half belonged to Stefan Mitrovic—his powerful header struck the crossbar from yet another corner by Kums.
Matty Lusty was a key player for Larne, creating several chances but the team struggled to convert.
Their best opportunity came after halftime when Lusty set up Andy Ryan, whose low drive was thwarted by Gent’s goalkeeper Roef.
As Gent began to assert themselves, substitute Momodou Sonko almost made a critical touch on a delivery from fellow substitute Max Dean, just missing out.
Yet it was Larne who ultimately struck gold—Cosgrove’s strike encapsulated their determination, culminating in this deserved and historical win.
Haveron’s men will no doubt use this victory as a springboard to bolster their league form and aim for continued success in domestic cup competitions.
