Soccer

Aidan Keena’s lob earns Sligo Rovers a brilliant win away to Motherwell

John Russell’s side defeat Scottish Premiership side at Fir Park in first leg

Sligo’s Aidan Keena lobs Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly to score during the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round, first leg at Fir Park. Photograph: Craig Watson/Inpho
Sligo’s Aidan Keena lobs Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly to score during the Uefa Conference League second qualifying round, first leg at Fir Park. Photograph: Craig Watson/Inpho
Thu Jul 21 2022 - 22:00

Motherwell 0 Sligo Rovers 1

Sligo Rovers claimed a famous European win in Scotland with a shock 1-0 defeat of Premiership side Motherwell at Fir Park.

The outstanding Aidan Keena claimed his 13th goal of the season – and his second in Europe this month – as John Russell’s side claimed the advantage ahead of next week’s second leg at the Showgrounds.

In front of over 7,000 supporters, including almost 500 from Sligo, the visiting team deservedly claimed a memorable triumph, just four days after losing feebly at home to UCD in the league.

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Goalkeeper Ed McGinty had also departed the club this week to join Oxford United in England, following his penalty heroics in the previous round defeat of Welsh part-timers Bala Town.

Youngster Luke McNicholas was given the responsibility in goal and turned in a superb display.

The crucial goal came on 27 minutes, as Keena capitalised on some sloppy play at the back from the home side and he delightfully lobbed Motherwell goalkeeper Liam Kelly.

The home fans let their frustrations with their own team be known repeatedly after that, as Sligo matched their hosts for the remainder of an even first half.

With the visiting side still relatively comfortable on the hour-mark, Motherwell opted to introduce former Bohemians player Ross Tierney to try and find an equaliser, and he did go close with an effort shortly after his introduction.

But a better chance fell to Sligo striker Max Mata just seconds after he came off the bench, but he got his finish all wrong when put through one-on-one by Keena’s pass.

MOTHERWELL: Kelly, Mugabi, Lamie, Carroll, Maguire, McGinn, Morris, Slattery, Spittal (Efford, 74 mins), Shields (Tierney, 65 mins), Van Veen.

SLIGO: McNicholas, Banks, Buckley, Blaney, Kirk, Morahan, McDonnell (Mata, 77 mins), Cawley, Fitzgerald, O’Sullivan, Keena.

Referee: K A Hovdanum (Faroe Islands).