Linfield were left to rue a series of missed chances as their Europa Conference League campaign came to an end after a 2-1 defeat to Fola Esch in Luxembourg.
Although it was the same scoreline as last week's first leg at Windsor Park, ensuring a 4-2 aggregate loss for David Healy’s side, it was a totally different contest as the Irish League side racked up 22 shots over the 90 minutes.
Trai Hume had a number of good opportunities in the first half while Jamie Mulgrew’s long-range effort was parried away.
Linfield would go close again just before the interval as Niall Quinn struck the woodwork with Stephen Fallon unable to convert the rebound.
Michael Newberry and Christy Manzinga both missed chances early in the second half and Fola Esch made Linfield pay for their wastefulness when they moved ahead in the 69th minute through Bruno Correia Mendes.
Linfield did get on the scoresheet when Fallon scored in the final minutes, but as they chased the goal that would have forced extra-time they were hit with a sucker-punch as Rodrigo Parreira netted a late penalty.
Larne’s first-ever European campaign also came to an end, but not without a famous 1-0 win against Portuguese Primeira Liga side Pacos de Ferreira.
While progression to the Europa Conference League play-off round - and a clash with Tottenham - was never on the table following a 4-0 first leg loss, Tiernan Lynch’s side were determined to sign off their European campaign in style.
Jose Silva de Jesus hit the post for the visitors while Joao Pedro had a goal disallowed, and Larne would take full advantage as Mark Randall scored a late winner to seal a famous night for the Inver Park outfit.
