A win is a must for the Lakesiders in Ireland as we take on Sligo Rovers hoping to make the Europa Conference League second qualifying round.
Colin Caton’s men will have to overcome a first leg deficit to have a chance of progression against The Bit O’Reds on Thursday evening at The Showgrounds.
The Match
Sligo Rovers vs Bala Town
Europa Conference League First Qualifying Round Second Leg
The Showgrounds, F91 HEE9
Thursday, July 14th, 7:00 pm Kick-off
How To Watch
The must-watch tie will be live streamed on LOI TV for fans not in attendance which can be accessed via the link below:
Insight Into Our Opponents
Form:
(A) Bala Town 1-2 - Europa Conference League
(H) Shelbourne 3-1 - League of Ireland
(A) Drogheda United 0-0 - League of Ireland
(H) Finn Harps 3-0 - League of Ireland
(A) UCD 1-1 - League of Ireland
(H) Derry City 2-1 - League of Ireland
One To Watch
Aidan Kenna - The Bit O'Reds' danger man brought his side level in last week's tie. The 23-year-old in a moment of real quality having gathered the ball in the area before lofting it over Alex Ramsay with momentum swinging in the visitor's favour. Following the match, Caton highlighted his performance as outstanding and the difference maker in the game.
The striker is having a breakthrough year having scored 12 goals this season in just 20 appearances. Kenna joined Sligo Rovers from Scottish League One side Falkirk in January, he got off the ground running, scoring the winner in a 2–1 victory away to St Patrick’s Athletic. Kenna would then score a hat-trick at The Showgrounds against Finn Harps. This form throughout March would see him claim the League of Ireland Player of the Month award to cap off a super start to life in West Ireland.
So far this season, Kenna has managed to rack up eleven league goals for his new side, which sees him sit atop of the goalscoring charts of the Premier Division. The Irishman, who has represented his country at youth level, spoke of his ambition to win the golden boot following his Player of the Month award and looks on course to do just that.
The First Leg
It was a dream start to our 2022 European campaign as five minutes into our home leg Lassana Mendes blasted home an opener to give us a shock lead against The Bit O'Reds. The Lakesiders followed the goal by remaining competitive, going toe-to-toe with Sligo before Kenna struck his side back level.
After the break, Sligo struck a second. The Irish team's other forward had his say this time having already been denied by Ramsay. Max Mata managing to bundle home a second to send his club's 500 faithful fans wild.
Bala remained in the game despite the visitor's flourishing with confidence and pushed for an equaliser in the remainder of the game. Dave Edwards looked on course to provide that valuable leveler but was taken down by Nando Pijnaker which saw the defender sent off with just over 10 minutes to go. Caton's men were unable to make the most of our man advantage as our opponents held out to take over a one-goal lead to Ireland.
Officials
Referee: Jochem Kamphuis
Linesmen: Mario Diks & Roy De Nas
Fourth official: Laurens Gerrets
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