Hot-shot Keena secures historic European victory for Sligo Rovers in Scotland

Motherwell 0 Sligo Rovers 1

Aidan Keena continued his blistering start to his Sligo Rovers career when he scored the only goal in his team's victory away to Scottish Premier League side Motherwell in the first leg of their Europa Conference League second qualifying round tie last night.

Mullingar native Keena, who is currently the leading scorer in the League of Ireland Premier Division, added another addition to his collection of spectacular goals when he scored one of the most famous goals in Sligo Rovers' history in the 27th minute of the keenly contested European clash.

Intercepting a poor headed pass from Motherwell defender Bevis Mugabi back to his keeper Liam Kelly, Keena showcased his technical ability by lobbing the stranded netminder from 14 yards much to the delight of the 500 or so Sligo fans who made the trip to Scotland.

While Sligo were under pressure for periods of the match, the team from the north west came close to a priceless second goal in the 77th minute when Keena set up substitute Max Mata with a perfectly timed pass. However, the New Zealander failed to finish.

The second leg of the tie is next Thursday, July 28, in what is sure to be a sold out Showgrounds. The winner of the tie will face either Norwegian side Viking FX or Slavia Prague in the next round.