Europa League:St. Patrick's Athletic will take a 1-0 lead to Russia for the return leg of their Europa League third round qualifier after Declan O'Brien's 70th minute strike helped them to victory over FC Krylia Sovetov at Richmond Park this evening. Derry City kept CSKA Sofia at bay for 74 minutes but had to settle for a one goal deficit in the Bulgarian capital.
"I'm thrilled but under no illusion as to how difficult that was to achieve or that the job is by any means done," said Pat's manager Jeff Kenna afterwards.
"The clean sheet was a key part of the game plan and the lads worked very hard to deliver it.
"Declan O'Brien also showed again what a quality player he is, with the finish he produced for the goal."
It was O'Brien's third European goal in as many games for Pat's since his arrival from Dundalk just weeks ago and came after Bobby Ryan set him free past beyond Czech international Jiri Jarosik.
His illustrious opponent could only watch as the striker drilled home a winner that could barely have been predicted in the first half.
Pat's were outplayed in the opening 45, struggling to retain possession with just Glen Fitzpatrick leading the line up front.
There were few clear cut chances but possession was dominated by the visitors and Pat's were reduced to aimless and, at times, desperate clearances.
They improved after the break when Ryan was introduced for Fitzpatrick and O'Brien led the attack, though Pat's adventure left gaps at the back and both Ruslan Adzhindzhal and Evgeniy Savin went close.
Rogers then did well again to push a free by Vladislav Kulik around his post before O'Brien expertly despatched another crucial goal.
Ryan Guy raced clear late on to get what would have been an invaluable second but after a 50-yard run he shot narrowly wide.
There remains a lot to do for Pat's but belief that it can be done.
Derrylooked on course for a historic result in the Vassil Levski Stadium until Kostadin Stoianov scored the winner 16 minutes from time, when he latched on to Clive Delaney's headed clearance from a long throw and drilled a shot beyond Ger Doherty.
Stephen Kenny’s side now need to score at the Brandywell next week to have any hope of making it into the play-offs but they will be buoyed by their performance this evening.
They coped well throughout, with Doherty and Delaney both commanding in defence.
Brazilian Marquinhos tried his luck twice early on but found Doherty equal to the first and blazed over on his second attempt.
CSKA were restricted to shooting from outside the area for much of the half as Derry countered where possible, Thomas Stewart going closest with a downward header in the 31st minute.
Stoianov sent a shot across goal late in the half but the homeside and the 10,000-strong crowd were frustrated at the break.
They were predictably more cohesive in the second half and nearly went ahead when immediately but for Doherty’s quick thinking off his line to deny Marquinhos.
The goalkeeper was again on hand to deny Rui Miguel’s shot but could do little about the winner, though he and his side will retain hope after a spirited effort.
Fulhammade an emphatic Europa League debut after Bobby Zamora inspired a comfortable 3-0 victory over FK Vetra in Vilnius.
Zamora, who rejected a move to Hull this summer, scored the opener, won a penalty converted by Danny Murphy and set up the third for substitute Seol Ki-Hyeon.
Motherwellwere dealt a shattering blow as they lost 3-0 to hosts Steaua Bucharest.
The Steelmen were handed a place in the qualifying rounds thanks to their second place in the SPL's Fair Play League, after Scotland's impressive disciplinary record had secured the country an extra place in Europe.
But an own goal from Stephen Craigan was followed by further goals from Banel Nicolita and Bogdan Stancu, and Jim Gannon's visitors could not respond.
