Larne had lost 7-0 on aggregate to RFS in their opening Champions League qualifier but after receiving a bye into the third qualifying round of the Europa Conference League, they beat Kosovan champions Ballkani in a penalty shootout to book a place in the play-off against Lincoln Red Imps, who were attempting to qualify for the Conference League group phase for a second time.
Moments after Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson pulled off a fine save from Kike Gomez, the visitors took the lead in the second leg after 19 minutes.
The Imps captain was left unmarked inside the area and confidently side-footed the ball home with a volley from six yards from Nano's cross.
Larne equalised on the night and reduced their aggregate arrears to 3-2 on the half hour when Ryan converted his spot-kick into the bottom corner low and hard to the goalkeeper's right after Joe was penalised for handball by Swiss referee Lukas Fahndrich after a Video Assistant Referee [VAR] consultation.
Two minutes before the interval Ryan fired a second penalty into the other corner of the net after Gallagher had been brought down in the area.
Just before the hour mark Gallagher received a red card for a second bookable offence as the hosts were reduced to 10 men.
The home side continued to look the more likely to find a decisive goal however and much to the delight of the Inver Park fans it duly arrived with seven minutes remaining.
Recent signing Benji Magee raced clear on the counter-attack, picked out Ryan in the area with a pinpoint cross and the Scottish striker controlled the ball and applied the finish by slamming home.
That sparked wild celebrations among the Larne supporters who can now look forward to a further six games in the competition in October, November and December.
Image source, BBC Sport
