Bohemians advanced to the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League after beating Ballkani on penalties in a dramatic away tie. The Dublin side came through after the teams finished level at 4-4 on aggregate, with Bohemians holding their nerve in the shootout to progress.
Ballkani struck first and went on to score three times across the 90 minutes, putting Bohemians under major pressure in Kosovo. Bohemians responded through James-Taylor and later found a crucial late goal from Hickey in the 88th minute, a strike that forced extra-time and kept their European campaign alive.
That late equaliser proved decisive because it denied Ballkani a win on aggregate and sent the contest beyond regulation time. With no further breakthrough separating the sides, the tie was settled from the spot, where Bohemians dug deep to complete the comeback and seal qualification.
The reward is a meeting with Danish club FC Midtjylland in the third qualifying round. After surviving a tense and hard-fought second-leg battle, Bohemians now move on with momentum and a notable result earned the hard way.
