CL 2nd qualifying round: What to know for 2nd legs as Irish clubs prepare for decisive European nights on Thursday. St Patrick’s Athletic head to Estonia with a narrow lead, while Shamrock Rovers return home with one foot already in the next round after an emphatic first-leg performance.
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Pat’s Face Pressure in Estonia
St Patrick’s Athletic will play the second leg of their UEFA Conference League qualifier against Nomme Kalju on Thursday evening at Kadriorg Stadium. Kick-off is at 5:45pm, and weather conditions in Estonia are expected to be humid with highs of 27°C, scattered sunshine, and heavy rain spells. Pat’s go into the game with a slim 1-0 lead thanks to Chris Forrester’s late strike in the first leg. Despite dominating the match and having a two-man advantage in the second half, the Saints couldn’t find a second goal, leaving their progress hanging in the balance. Stephen Kenny admitted after the game that they were disappointed not to score more, but he remained confident that his team can finish the job. However, they’ll be without Zach Elbouzedi, who suffered a dislocated shoulder, adding to their injury list that already includes Romal Palmer. Kenny has added Northern Ireland U21 midfielder Darren Robinson on loan from Derby County, hoping the youngster can make an impact in the short term.
Shamrock Rovers in Comfortable Position
Over in Tallaght, Shamrock Rovers will kick off their second leg at 8pm against Gibraltar’s St Joseph’s, and it’s expected to be a pleasant, mostly sunny evening with temperatures ranging from 17 to 21°C. Rovers return with a massive 4-0 first-leg lead, having cruised past their opponents with goals from Rory Gaffney, Daniel Mandroiu, John McGovern, and Jack Byrne. McGovern’s goal was especially notable, as it marked his first for the club in just his third appearance. With experienced strikers like Gaffney and Aaron Greene and rising talents like Michael Noonan and McGovern, Rovers have plenty of attacking depth. Former player Richie Towell praised McGovern on the RTÉ Soccer Podcast, saying he fits perfectly into the team’s style of play. With the Premier Division game against Derry City looming on Sunday, manager Stephen Bradley may rotate his squad but emphasized the importance of winning again for UEFA coefficient points. Rovers will advance to face either Ballkani of Kosovo or Floriana of Malta in the next round, with Ballkani leading 4-2 from their first leg.
