Larne's Goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson Prepares for UEFA Conference League Challenge
Larne goalkeeper Rohan Ferguson emphasizes that his team's main objective is to maintain their UEFA Conference League third-round tie against Portugal's Santa Clara, following Thursday's first leg at the Ballymena Showgrounds at 20:00 BST.
The Invermen successfully navigated the first two qualifying rounds through penalty shootouts, but they now face a substantial challenge against a team that finished fifth in Portugal's top division last season.
Having reached the league phase last season, Larne aims to replicate that success, but they are aware of the significant test posed by the Azores-based club.
Due to their home ground at Inver Park not meeting the necessary standards, Nathan Rooney's side has been playing their home matches in Ballymena. However, they managed to keep clean sheets in their 'home' games against Auda and Prishtina, a feat Ferguson described as "a bit strange since it’s not our home pitch."
Securing a scoreless draw against Santa Clara on Thursday would leave them with plenty to fight for in the return leg next week.
"It’s another massive test," Ferguson stated. "We know they’re a good side and have done the analysis on them. We want to head to Portugal with something to play for. We wish to enjoy our European journey and hopefully advance to the next round, which will be challenging. We’ve been underdogs in the past two rounds, but that suits us going into this one, as we’re not expected to win."
‘Penalties Come Down to Skill Rather Than Luck’
Ferguson emerged as the hero in the previous away legs, making crucial saves to help his team progress through penalties.
While some may view penalties as a mere lottery, the Larne goalkeeper holds a differing opinion. "The coaching staff and goalkeeping analysis have done their work; it just happened to be me who saved the penalties. It’s been a collective effort, and we’re just happy to move on to the next round. Many people say penalties are a lottery, but I don’t think that’s true. You can step up and place a penalty where you want. We’ll be confident if it comes down to that, but hopefully, we can resolve it before then."
Ferguson has the unique distinction of having participated in all of Larne’s previous European matches. The 27-year-old Scot has also secured two Irish League titles with the club, but he acknowledges that these memorable nights on the continental stage will always hold a special significance for him.
"I’ll remember these nights for the rest of my life," he remarked. "Winning a few league titles here is incredible, but when I look back on my career in the future, these are the nights I’ll cherish the most."