Keena off the mark for Sligo Rovers with competitive debut goal

When Mullingar’s Aidan Keena signed for League of Ireland club Sligo Rovers last month, he promised goals – and he’s already delivering.

The Mullingar Athletic alumnus and former Hearts and Falkirk striker scored a second goal for the Bit O’Red in Dalymount Park last night, as they got their SSE Airtricity League Premier Division campaign off to a winner with a 2-1 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic.

After Colin Horgan opened the scoring for Sligo on 40 minutes, Keena doubled that lead with some excellent footwork and a deflected shot in the 78th minute, after latching onto a pinpoint through-ball.

Keena’s goal turned out to be crucial, as St Pat’s pulled one back with a fine strike from Tunde Owolabi four minutes later. However, Liam Buckley’s charges held out for the win.

Keena, making his competitive debut for Rovers against his old club, was a lively presence for the Westerners for the 86 minutes he played, walloping the crossbar after 10 minutes and creating numerous other chances.