Kevin Toner cancelled out Jack Keaney’s opener as Sligo Rovers and St Patrick’s Athletic played out a draw at the Showgrounds. Against a Sligo team without a number of key players due to injury, suspension and even international commitments, Pat’s h
A crucial game in the relegation battle finished 1-1 at The Showgrounds, as Sligo Rovers and St. Patrick's Athletic were forced to settle for a draw.
The game started with St. Pat's having the early chances, including an effort from Christy Fagan which hit the post after 21 mins. Sligo were struggling to create any clear chances, but they took the lead after 34 mins.
Regan Donelon put in the ball from a corner, and Kyle Callan-McFadden powered his header into the net, scoring his first goal for the club and putting the home side in front. Sligo retained control of the game after taking the lead and were deservedly in front at half time.
The game continued in the same manner after half time, with Sligo playing fairly well, and keeping St. Pat's at bay. However, after the hour mark it was St. Pat's who were looking more likely to score.
Conan Byrne hit a fantastic effort from about 35 yards out that rattled the crossbar. Shortly after, St. Pat's grabbed the equaliser from a corner, as the ball fell to substitute Kurtis Byrne, who hit a fantastic left-footed effort into the top corner to level the score.
St Pat's thought they had turned the game around completely, as Fagan's cross/shot trickled into the net, but there was a Pat's player in an offside decision and the goal was ruled out.
The game drew to a close and debutant Vinny Faherty missed a glorious chance seconds before the final whistle, as the ball arrived to him at pace, and his effort went over the bar as the game finished 1-1.
On the balance of play the draw was probably a fair result for both teams, but Sligo will be particularly disappointed not to have made up some ground on the teams above them in the table, especially given the late chance they had to win the game.
