Aidan Keena's second-half goal secured a vital away win for St Patrick's Athl. At Sligo Rovers. The 1-0 victory on Saturday keeps the pressure on Shamrock Rovers at the top of the Premier Division.
Keena struck in the 74th minute, finishing a move that gave the visitors a deserved lead. St Patrick's had dominated possession with 58% and created the better chances, registering 17 shots to Sligo's five. The win extends their current winning run to three matches and solidifies their second-place standing on 56 points from 31 games.
Manager Stephen Kenny set his side up in a 3-1-4-2 formation, with Joe Anang in goal behind a back three of Jamie Lennon, Sam Hoare, and Luke Turner. The midfield trio of Zack Elbouzedi, Ryan Sheridan, and Barry Baggley worked to control the tempo, feeding forwards Ryan Edmondson and the match-winner Keena.
Kenny made a double change just before the hour mark, introducing Jason McClelland and Anthony Olusanya for Anto Breslin and Edmondson. Christopher Forrester replaced Baggley shortly after, and the only blemish was a yellow card shown to Jamie Lennon for a foul in the 65th minute. The substitutes helped see out the game, with Darragh Nugent and Sean McHale coming on late to secure the three points.
The result means St Patrick's are now just three points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers with a game in hand. Their recent form reads three wins, one draw, and one loss from their last five outings.
Keena's goal was his third in two games, following his brace in the 4-0 win at Dundalk. The striker is in fine form as the season enters its decisive phase. Next up is a tough trip to face fourth-placed Derry City on October 9th, a fixture detailed on our fixtures page. The squad will look to maintain this momentum, with the full player roster available on our squad list.
