Aidan Keena's second-half goal sent St Patrick's Athletic back to the top of the Premier Division table with a 1-0 win over Sligo Rovers. The victory at Tolka Park on Saturday gives Stephen Kenny's side a one-game advantage in the title race as the season reaches its climax.

Keena, who previously played for Sligo, broke the deadlock in the 75th minute. Goalkeeper Joe Anang could only parry Anthony Olusanya's initial shot, and the striker was quickest to react, pouncing on the loose ball to score. It was his third goal in two games, following a brace in the 4-0 demolition of Dundalk the previous weekend.

Anang's key interventions

The three points were built on a solid defensive performance, with goalkeeper Joe Anang making several key saves. He denied Archie Meekison in the first half and produced a flying stop to keep out Ryan Sheridan's powerful drive after the break. Anang also got down well to push away a Sean Hoare header that followed a flick-on from Luke Turner.

Stephen Kenny made one change from the side that thrashed Dundalk, with Ryan Edmondson coming in for Olusanya. Edmondson, who has ten goals this season, led the line alongside Keena. Academy graduates Aidan Gabbidon and Rueben Gillespie retained their places in the starting eleven, while Liam Hughes made his second consecutive start in midfield.

Sligo's slide continues

The defeat extends Sligo Rovers' miserable run to 14 Premier Division games without a win and marks their fifth consecutive loss. Their relegation from the top flight could be mathematically confirmed in their next match against Shelbourne. Manager Darren Purse acknowledged the grim reality facing his team.

"On the brink of ending their two decade association with the top flight, Sligo's chances of a great escape under Darren Purse have faded quickly," Purse said.

The result moves St Patrick's Athletic to 59 points from 32 matches, putting them first in the standings. They have scored 52 goals this campaign while conceding just 25, giving them the league's best defensive record and a goal difference of plus 27. Their recent form shows three wins, one draw and one loss from the last five outings, and they are currently on a three-game winning streak. You can review the full sequence of results, including the 2-0 win over Shamrock Rovers and the 1-1 draw with Bohemians, on our stats page.

With Sam Sargeant missing due to a shoulder injury, Anang's performance was vital. A crowd of 2,189 watched referee Arnie Hunter oversee a match where the Saints did just enough to claim a gritty victory. Attention now turns to a key away fixture against fourth-placed Derry City on October 9th, a key test in the title run-in.

Read the full report at rte.ie