Colin Nixon's goal put Glentoran 2-1 up in Finland

Second half goals from Tommy McCallion and Colin Nixon saw the Irish Cup holders come from behind to win 2-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate.

Adriano had put the Finns into the lead in the 38th minute.

Glentoran's last success was a 5-1 aggregate win over Progres Neidercorn of Luxembourg in the 1981 European Cup.

The draw for the second qualifying round takes place on Friday 31 July.

"I am sure when we went a goal down people expected us to go out," said matchwinner Nixon.

"But we stuck at our task and proved a lot of people wrong.

"We believed we could get a result and it is absolutely fantastic.

"The Irish League has its knockers, even in our own country, so it is super that one of the local teams has got through."

Glens manager Roy Coyle described the result as a great boost for football in Northern Ireland.

"It is a special moment and the players can feel proud of what they have achieved," he said.