St Patrick's Athletic need Derry favour after defeat in Sligo

Derry City must win the FAI Cup if St Patrick's Athletic are to play European football next season after the Saints were beaten by Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

Aidan Keena smashed home his 20th goal of the season in the second half and this result, coupled with Dundalk’s win over Bohemians, means Pat’s cannot catch the Lilywhites in third.

Tim Clancy’s side must now rely on Derry beating Shelbourne in the cup decider on 13 November if they are to play Europa Conference League football in 2023.

In their second game in five days, Sligo welcomed back defender Colm Horgan and skipper Greg Bolger to the fold, after both missed out on the starting XI for last Monday’s draw with Derry. While Pat’s brought back goalkeeper David Odumosu along with defenders Barry Cotter, Tom Grivosti and Paddy Barrett following their disappointing defeat to champions Shamrock Rovers one week ago.

It was the visitors who were almost gifted an early lead when Rovers goalkeeper Richard Brush stumbled as he controlled Nando Pijnaker’s under-hit back pass. The veteran goalkeeper recovered just in time to stop Eoin Doyle from close range.

Clear-cut chances were at a premium in this opening half. Sligo youngster Kalin Barlow, who this week signed a three-year deal, saw his snapshot from the edge of the area sail narrowly wide.

Pat’s then had the best opening of the half six minutes from time. Adam O’Reilly’s through ball found Chris Forrester and his finish was enough to beat Brush but not the quick recovery of Colm Horgan, who managed to get back in time to clear the ball off the line.

Serge Atakyi had Brush on his toes on the stroke of half-time as the former Shamrock Rovers man palmed the shot from the angle over. While Keena, once a Saint, wasn’t miles