Sligo Rovers' Europa Conference League campaign came to an end at the Showgrounds after a gallant Bit O’Red display saw them beat Viking on the night, but exit on aggregate.5-1 down from the first leg, the Irish side put on an impressive display and were ahead at the break courtesy of a deflected Will Fitzgerald strike.Rovers did create several opportunities to further close the gap, but unable to follow up on Fitzgerald’s opener with Frank Liivak’s 74th minute penalty saved by Viking goalkeeper Patrik Gunnarsson.The Norwegians now progress to face Romanian side FCSB in the play-off, while Sligo face into a crucial league tie with St Patrick’s Athletic in Dublin this Sunday.Facing what seemed to be the insurmountable, Rovers’ task was made even more difficult with the loss of top scorer Aidan Keena who picked up a knock in Sunday’s league win over Bohemians.Replacing the Mullingar man was Max Mata, with Adam McDonnell and Lewis Banks also returning.
While loanee Robbie Burton was given his first start since joining from Dinamo Zagreb.Viking, who drew with fellow Eliteserian side Sandefjord at the weekend, kept faith with the majority of the team who started the first leg in Stavanger, with striker Mai Traore replacing Daniel Karlsbakk, their only change.Despite their disadvantage from that opening leg, Rovers did not look like the side chasing the tie as Viking went the duration of the first half without a shot at goal.Banks laced an effort across the face of Patrik Gunnarsson’s goal straight away.
While Liivak’s flick from a Greg Bolger corner had an off balance Gunnarsson struggling to bat away his improvised effort eight minutes in.Kiwi Mata went close with two headers, the best of these coming in the 18th minute when