Shane Blaney played an important part as Sligo Rovers recorded a great 1-0 win away to Scottish side Motherwell last night in the Europa Conference League Second Round Qualifier.
Aidan Keena scored the only goal of the first leg after 27 minutes after an error from Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi saw his header back to ‘keeper Liam Kelly drop short to Keena who chipped the ball over the Scottish stopper.
The Letterkenny man helped his side keep a clean sheet, forming a formidable partnership with Garry Buckley, while former Finn Harps loanee Luke McNicholas was in goals for the Bit O’Red against the side who finished 5th in the Scottish Premiership last season.
McNicholas was making just his second start of the season following the departure of Ballyshannon man Ed McGinty who moved to Oxford United yesterday.
It’s a crucial win as Sligo Rovers look to reach the third round and could face a potential trip to Czech giants Sparta Prague in the Third Round if they can keep Motherwell from scoring at the Showgrounds next Thursday.
The Prague side could only manage a 0-0 home draw with Viking FK of Norway in the first leg.
