Northern Ireland's three Europa Conference League entrants today found out their opponents in the First Qualifying Round of the new competition.
Danske Bank Premiership runners-up Coleraine, third placed Glentoran and play-off winners Larne will all take part in the inaugural running of UEFA's new club tournament with the ties to be played early next month.
Larne, making their first ever appearance in Europe, have been paired with Welsh side Bala Town. Tiernan Lynch's side will make the short trip to the Principality for the first leg before hosting the Cymru Premier outfit a week later. Bala, who use Rhyl's Belle Vue stadium for their European home games, finished third last season.
Glentoran also face Welsh opposition in the form of The New Saints. Previously known as TNS, they have been regular visitors to Northern Ireland over the years for European warm-up games and have faced the Glens a number of times in this capacity whilst also coming up against Cliftonville in the 2011/12 Europa League, winning 2-1 on aggregate. Mick McDermott's side will be at home in the first leg.
Coleraine will have considerably further to travel for their first leg after being matched with FK Velež Mostar from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Finishing third last term, this will be Velež's first European appearance since 1988/89 when they defeated APOEL Nicosia and Belenenses before exiting in the third round of the UEFA Cup to Hearts.
Although the games have been pencilled in for July 8th and 15th supporters are urged to wait for official confirmation of exact dates and kick-off times.
