An Alan Keane penalty deep into injury-time saw Sligo Rovers secure a return to European football at The Showgrounds.

 

Keane rifled a spot-kick to the net in the second minute of time added on, as Rovers claimed the three points needed to hold off the challenge of Sporting Fingal and finish in third.

 

The game looked to be heading for a nil-all draw, after both Rovers’ Ciaran Kelly and St Pat’s Gary Rogers pulled off excellent saves in either half.

 

But substitute Conor O’Grady made a telling impact upon his 90th minute introduction, releasing Eoin Doyle on the right and sprinting 70 yards in support before Gary McCabe was tripped inside the area and Keane converted from the spot.

 

Rovers were the better team in the second half, with Rogers having to deal with dangerous crosses from both Iarfhlaith Davoren and Joseph Ndo.

 

But Pat’s started the second half well, and Derek Doyle forced Kelly into a brilliant diving save with a shot from the edge of the area.

 

Kelly also denied Dave Mulcahy late on, while Pat’s substitute Gareth O’Connor saw a free-kick flash the wrong side of the post.

 

But Rovers won it in dramatic fashion when Keane held his nerve to strike the winner.

 

Sligo Rovers: Kelly, Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren, Boco (Ventre 82), Ryan (O’Grady 90), Russell, Ndo, McCabe, Blinkhorn (Doyle 74).

 

Substitutes Not Used: Gibson, Dillon.

 

St Patrick's Athletic: Rogers, Pender, Kenna, Haverty (Stewart 82), Bermingham, McAllister, Mulcahy, S Byrne (O’Connor 78), Doyle, Guy (Faherty 71), North.

 

Substitutes Not Used: Bennion, O'Brien.

 

Referee: N Doyle (Dublin).