RFS's early lead threatens Glentoran's Conference League hopes

Glentoran's European hopes ended on Saturday as they fell 2-0 away to Latvian side RFS in the second leg of their UEFA Conference League first‑qualifying round tie, losing 4-1 on aggregate after a 2-1 deficit from the first leg in Belfast.

The visitors drew first blood after just five minutes when Modou Saidy capitalised on a saved shot, the rebound finding his feet at the edge of the area. He slotted the ball home from five yards to give RFS an early lead.

RFS extended their advantage sixteen minutes into the second half when Janis Ikavnieks tapped in from eight yards. The goal came after Glentoran goalkeeper Billy Crellin slipped while distributing the ball, allowing the Latvian side to break cleanly.

Glentoran created several chances, with Jordan Stewart forcing a close early effort and Pat Hoban heading narrowly wide in the first half. RFS also threatened, as Lasha Odisharia curled a shot over the bar.

Mid‑way through the second period, substitute Marcus Kane, brought on for the injured Daniel Larmour, thought he had reduced the deficit, but his strike was ruled out for handball.

In the dying moments Saidy again threatened, striking from ten yards, but his effort drifted wide of the left‑hand upright.

The match finished FT with a 2-0 win for RFS, sealing a 4-1 aggregate victory and condemning the Irish Premiership side to an early exit from the UEFA Conference League.