Larne defender Dan Bent has played in two European competitions this summer and now faces a former team in a Conference League tie that could earn his club vital funds. The Northern Ireland champions began their European campaign in the Champions League qualifiers, with Bent scoring a crucial penalty against Tre Fiori of San Marino. They were then beaten 9-0 on aggregate by Red Star Belgrade, but Bent describes the experience as unforgettable.
A summer of European football
While Premier League players are preparing for the new season, those in smaller leagues have been competing throughout the summer. Larne started their European journey on the day Argentina beat Egypt in the World Cup last-16, with Bent's penalty in the second leg helping them overcome Tre Fiori. Their reward was a meeting with former European champions Red Star Belgrade.
“Red Star was probably the biggest game in the club’s history,” says Bent. “When the draw came out, we were ecstatic. You want to play those games in those stadiums. Everyone tells you about how long the tunnel is and how intimidating it is, and then you’re there and a part of it. There were 27,000 fans and the funny thing is, for them, that’s a medium-sized crowd. The stadium was only half-full.”
Logistical challenges and family sacrifices
The European qualifiers move fast, with teams given little time to prepare. “It’s a privilege to play in Champions League qualifiers but a lot of uncertainty comes with that,” says Bent. “One minute, we could be heading to Rangers or Slovakia, the next we’re going to Gibraltar or Cyprus. You need to pick up things quickly. It’s a quick turnaround. Logistically, it is pretty crazy.”
Bent, who has a partner and two children, acknowledges the strain on his family. “She’s very supportive and understands, but it doesn’t get any easier knowing I’m away for three days, then the week after I could be flying out again to another country.” He is used to travelling, having grown up in Kent and started his career at Gillingham before taking a scholarship in America and later playing in Gibraltar.
A crucial Conference League tie
After losing to Red Star, Larne dropped into the Europa League qualifiers, where they were narrowly beaten by Iberia 1999. Now they face Gibraltan champions Lincoln Red Imps over two legs for a place in the Conference League group stage. The first leg on Thursday sees an emotional return for Bent, who earned 17 caps for Gibraltar.
The tie is a huge opportunity for both clubs. Larne beat the Red Imps at this stage two years ago and secured €2.6m in prize money. With clubs awarded around £50,000 for winning the league in Northern Ireland and £20,000 for the cup, this is transformational money. “There’s a big core of boys who were here when they got to the group phase, so they talk about that,” says Bent. “They played games all the way up until Christmas. They’ve been there and they want to go back.”
European experience and a balanced squad
Bent will play in Europe for the 21st time when Larne visit Gibraltar. “Our goalkeeper, Rohan Ferguson, has something like 40 appearances in Europe. We have boys who’ve been great servants in the league but haven’t played a lot of European football, and young lads with that fresh hunger. It’s a well-balanced group.”
Larne started their title defence with a goalless draw at Coleraine, and the second leg against Lincoln Red Imps will be their 10th match in five competitions this season. They are having life-enriching experiences on their European expeditions.
