Europa Conference preview: St Pat's and Sligo Rovers in action

St Patrick's Athletic and Sligo Rovers are in action in the second round of Europa Conference League qualifying tonight.

The Saints are beginning their campaign, having been bumped up to this stage based on UEFA rankings, while Sligo progressed on penalties against Welsh side Bala Town on penalties.

As Shamrock Rovers found out on Tuesday, each new rounds raises the bar in terms of the challenge.

Pat’s begin at home to NS Mura, the side who famously beat Tottenham Hotspur in the group stages last year, while Sligo are in Britain once again to take on Scottish side Motherwell.

It’s going to take some big performances from the Irish sides to enter round three.

Motherwell v Sligo Rovers, Fir Park, 7.45pm

When this draw was made, and particularly after an away win over Bala Town, it felt like a huge opportunity was awaiting Sligo Rovers to rattle a Scottish Premiership side in the second round.

However, a near-disastrous 10 days followed for the Bit O' Red.

Sligo had to thank fortune and the heroics of goalkeeper Ed McGinty after 120 minutes of a first round second leg against Bala in The Showgrounds.

He made several magnificent stops and went on to save two penalties in the shootout to ensure the Premier Division side progressed.

There was as much relief as there was joy for John Russell and his side, having taken a lead from the game in Shropshire. The poor performance was followed by another with a 2-0 home defeat to UCD – the Students had won just one game all season prior to Sunday.

McGinty had been attracting considerable interest before the Conference League campaign – and it was only added to by his stunning display against Bala – and a transfer to English League One side side Oxford United could be completed before this game