Sligo Rovers were narrowly beaten by title chasers and league leaders St Patrick’s Athletic at the Showgrounds, although the result could have swung in the opposite direction with a little more luck on Darren Purse’s team’s side. 

Aidan Keena found the game’s only goal as a star-studded Saints returned to the Premier Division summit. The former Rovers striker making the most of a rare blot on Liam Hughes’ copy-book when the stand-in goalkeeper spilled an Anthony Olusanya shot into the path of Keena who couldn’t miss from close range. 

The Bit O’Red did have opportunities in this one and defended well against the Dubliners. The aforementioned Hughes pulled out really impressive stops to deny both Sean Hoare and match-winner Keena in the first half. 

While this game was decided within the space of a short moment in the second half. 

Joey Anang’s reactions saw him divert a Jack Shorrock effort onto his crossbar on 74, a chance which could have won the game for Sligo, seconds before Keena’s goal at the far end. 

Rovers now have a three week break before our trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne on October 9th. 

Sligo Rovers: Liam Hughes; Aidan Gabbidon, Gareth McElroy, Carl McHugh (Ollie Denham 79), Sean Stewart (Kevin Zefi 79); Rueben Gillespie, James McManus (Kaiyne Woolery 62), Luke Young; Archie Meekison, Jack Shorrock (Kyle McDonagh 79), Cian Kavanagh (Luke Pearse 70). 

St Patrick’s Athletic: Joe Anang; Luke Turner, Sean Hoare (Sean McHale 77), Joe Redmond, Anto Breslin (Jay McClelland 59); Barry Bagley (Chris Forrester 66), Jamie Lennon; Zach Elbouzedi, Ryan Sheridan (Darragh Nugent 77); Aidan Keena, Ryan Edmondson (Anthony Olusanya 59).  

Referee: Arnie Hunter.

Attendance: 2,189.