Excellent result for Bit O’Red

returned to the team for the season’s penultimate game, with Robbie Burton dropping to the bench and Shane Blaney unavailable because of injury.

Facing opponents who deployed three centre-backs and raiding wingbacks, Rovers doubled up their efforts to stifle St Pat’s on the flanks.

There was consistent work throughout from the hosts, with Lewis Banks, Kailin Barlow and Greg Bolger especially prominent.

But an error from Richard Brush almost let ex-Rovers forward Eoin Doyle in for a third minute finish. Just when Doyle was about to pull the trigger, Brush recovered to smother the shot.

The first-half was one where both defences dominated. St Pat’s wingback Barry Cotter made several powerful runs but he wasn’t allowed to deliver anything of note into the Rovers penalty area.

The home side were also curbing the influence of Chris Forrester, the St Pat’s dynamo in midfield.

Despite their notable work-rate, Rovers almost conceded twice in the last five minutes of the opening period. Chris Forrester, released by Adam O’Reilly’s precise through ball, slipped a shot beyond the advancing Richard Brush but Lewis Banks got back to hack it clear. Then Brush had to superbly tip over a goalbound shot from Serge Atakayi, who was lively.

Rovers’ only attempt on target in the first-half was a header from Adam McDonnell that made for a comfortable save for David Odumosu.

The breakthrough came within 10 minutes of the delayed restart. Robbie Burton, on for the injured Greg Bolger, sent a lovely ball into Aidan Keena’s path and the top scorer was adjudged to have been fouled by Paddy Barrett in the St Pat’s goalmouth.

Referee John McLoughlin pointed to the spot and within seconds Aidan Keena was pointing to the sky, a familiar goal celebration after blasting his penalty to the top corner.

While their lead was slender, Rovers remained composed. However, St Pat’s nearly equalised after 80 minutes

RESULTS Played on Friday, October 28

when Ben McCormack connected with Sam Curtis’ cross. But Richard Brush made yet another superb save on a night sadly blighted by other matters.

Best for Rovers: Lewis Banks Sligo Rovers: Richard Brush; Colm Horgan, Lewis Banks, Nando Pijnaker, Paddy Kirk (Eanna Clancy 70); Greg Bolger (c) (Robbie Burton 51), Adam McDonnell; Frank Liivak, Kailin Barlow (Karl O’Sullivan 87), Will Fitzgerald; Aidan Keena

Subs not used: Conor Walsh (gk), Cameron Evans, Cillian Heany, Max Mata, Sean McAteer, Daire McCarthy

St Patrick’s Athletic: David Odumosu;

SSE Airtricity League Premier Division – Series 35

SMILE: Rovers manager John Russell was delighted with last Friday’s home victory.

Barry Cotter, Paddy Barrett (Mark Doyle 67), Joe Redmond (c), Tom Grivosti, Sam Curtis; Thijs Timmermans; Chris Forrester, Adam O’Reilly (Ben McCormack 77); Eoin Doyle, Serge Atakayi (Billy King 62) Referee: John McLoughlin