Larne have taken a major step towards securing Champions League progression after Matty Lusty’s strike sealed a 1-0 first qualifying round first-leg victory over Tre Fiori in San Marino.

The Inver Reds created Irish League history by becoming the first team to qualify for the Conference League’s League Phase in 2024 and Gary Haveron’s men will have their sights set on a repeat this summer.

Lusty struck on the stroke of half-time at the San Marino Stadium, ensuring Larne will carry a lead back to Northern Ireland for next Tuesday’s reverse fixture – it’s set to be played at Inver Park after the Co Antrim venue received FIFA Pro certification last week.

Striker Lusty has developed a reputation for producing in the biggest games on the European stage – the 22-year-old also scored in away fixtures against both Ballkani and Lincoln Red Imps during Larne’s aforementioned League Phase qualification run.

placeholder image — Matty Lusty celebrates putting Larne ahead. (Photo by Pacemaker)

Sam McClelland and Montel Gibson made their competitive Larne debuts from the start while fellow summer recruits Josh Ukek and Kevin O’Hara were introduced off the bench.

Securing progression to the Champions League’s second qualifying round – where they’d meet former European Cup winners Crvena zvezda (Red Star Belgrade) – would make Larne’s League Phase path potentially smoother.