Europa League round-up:It was a great night for the League of Ireland as St Patrick's Athletic and Derry City both advanced to the third qualifying round of the Europa League.
Declan O’Brien was St Pat’s hero after heading home a late winner away to Malta's Valletta at the Centenary Stadium tonight.
In the scorching heat, and playing on a artificial pitch, the Saints looked vulnerable when Darragh Ryan was sent off with 10 minutes left on the clock. However, the Dublin side received the perfect boost when they took the lead just a minute later.
It means a delighted Jeff Kenna's side advance to a third round meeting with Russian qualifiers Krylya Sovetov after going through 2-1 on aggregate.
“I am over the moon, it is by far the biggest result of my career to date, to do it with 10 men in the searing heat I couldn’t be more proud of the players," said kenna outside the changing rooms afterwards.
“The game plan was to pass the ball because of the heat. Irish teams are more renowned for the blood and thunder, up and at ‘em type football, and playing with fantastic tempo and passion in the tackle.”
Derry, meanwhile, beat Latvian side Skonto Riga 1-0 at the Brandywell to secure a 2-1 aggregate win in their second qualifying round tie.
There were chances for both sides to break the deadlock but it was Kevin Deery who came up with the decisive breakthrough just before the hour markto ensure a welcome victory for the Candystripes.
Derry weren’t at full strength because of a number of injuries and late illnesses after last week’s draw in Latvia last week where Tam McManus scored the vital away goal.
Derry will now face Bulgarian team CSKA Sofia in the next round, with the first leg in Sofia on July 30th, with the return leg on August 6th.
Elsewhere Macedonian side Rabotnicki ended Crusaders' European campaign with a comfortable 4-2 win (5-3 on aggregate).
The Irish League side headed to eastern Europe with the tie poised at 1-1, but conceded twice in the first half to leave themselves with an uphill task.
Bobi Bozinovski, who scored in the first leg, opened the scoring after 20 minutes before Ze Carlos scored the first of his double 10 minutes before half-time.
Crusaders substitute Jordan Owens gave the visitors hope when he netted after 69 minutes, but Ze Carlos got his second 10 minutes later to recover his side's two-goal cushion.
Rabotnicki substitute Felip Petkovski then made the tie safe for the Macedonians after 84 minutes to render Martin Donnelly's injury time goal no more than consolation.
Tonight’s Results:
Europa League - Second Qualifying Round 2nd Leg
Bangor City 0 FC Honka 1
(Honka win 3-0 on agg)
Derry City 1 Skonto FC 0
(Derry win 2-1 on agg)
FC Vaduz 2 Falkirk 0 aet
(Vaduz win 2-1 on agg)
Motherwell 8 Flamurtari 1
(Motherwell win 8-2 on agg)
Rabotnicki Kometal 4 Crusaders 2
(Rabotnicki win 5-3 on agg)
Valletta 0 St Patricks 1
(St Pat's win 2-1 on agg)
