Sligo Rovers 1 St. Patrick's Ath 0:ALAN KEANE was the toast of the Showgrounds last night after his stoppage time goal from the penalty spot assured Sligo Rovers of European football and a third-place finish in the league.

Keane struck after Gary McCabe was brought down in the 92nd minute. The chance was set up by substitute Conor O’Grady, whose run from defence unsettled the visitors who were caught at the back for the first time in the game.

Heavy rain before and during the game left the pitch in a sodden state and the players had difficulty staying on their feet.

A teasing cross by Ryan Guy was put behind for a St Patrick’s Athletic corner in the fifth minute.

Romauld Boco went on a penetrating run at the other end a minute later but solid defending by the visitors cut out the danger.

Sligo went close from a Joseph Ndo corner in the 14th minute after Boco bore down on goal, but the ball was cleared off the line.

Rovers enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the first half but Pete Mahon’s solid defensive set-up meant that the home side were unable to break through.

Gary Rogers was also in top form between the posts for the visitors and he was able to deal with anything that Sligo threw at him.

A Danny North free-kick from 35 yards caused panic in the Sligo defence after 33 minutes but goalkeeper Ciarán Kelly was alert to the danger when Dave Mulcahy got a touch on the ball close in.

SLIGO ROVERS:Kelly, Keane, Peers, Russell, Lauchlan, Davoren, Ryan (O'Grady 90), Ndo, Boco (Ventre 81), McCabe, Blinkhorn (Doyle 75).

ST PATRICK'S ATHLETIC:Rogers, Pender, Byrne (O'Connor 78), Bermingham, Doyle, Guy (Faherty 71), Havert (Stewart 81), North, McAllister, Mulcahy, Kenna.

RefereeN Doyle (Dublin).

Keane 90+1 pen