ST PAT’S boss Stephen Kenny admitted he was too unhappy with the three goals conceded to really enjoy the three points won on Friday night.
The Saints won an end-to-end game against Sligo Rovers 4-3 as Aidan Keena’s late goal secured their first win of the season.
But it was a game where Kenny’s side could have closed it out earlier having led 2-0 and 3-1 – and the St Pat’s boss was annoyed with his team’s defending.
In particular, he was not happy at the first two goals conceded which came on a counter attack, and then from a set-piece.
He said: “So many good things from our point of view from our attacking play and so many disappointing aspects too from defending as a team.
“We just showed everything we could about our team, and then we showed quite a degree of inexperience I think, and tactical indiscipline, all running forward after scoring two.
“To concede that goal just before half time changed the nature of the game.
“We got the third goal. But the work ethic and defensive responsibility and bread and butter stuff, defending a wide free kick and all that stuff, that is critical.
“I detest to concede a goal like that second goal, you drill that into players that that should never happen. We weren’t happy with the goals we gave away.
“When we finished the (last) season, everyone knew their jobs and we didn’t concede many goals in that run in, a very low ratio.
“But today…my word… I don’t know what I was watching in the end.
“But it was great for the neutral I’m sure. Control is the operative word and we didn’t really have it.
“Thankfully we won the game. That’s the silver lining. The three points are previous. We hadn’t got a win and we needed one.”
Kenny, who admitted in the build-up that Jamie Lennon’s absence for the next four weeks through injury was a big blow to his side, insisted it was a collective issue rather than one player.
But he also hailed his side’s creativity on the night as they could have scored more than the four goals.
And he praised striker Keena who scored twice, including a piledriver from 20 yards.
What a strike by Aidan Keena!
A powerful finish which doubles Pats lead. Elbouzedi scored just a minute beforehand! Sligo Rovers pulled one back shortly after. 2-1 to The Saints as it stands! pic.twitter.com/ZSh9IstHV1
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) February 28, 2025
He said: “Aidan Keena’s goal to go 2-0 up is just a phenomenal goal. Absolutely phenomenal.
“He’s very instinctive and he hits the ball with phenomenal velocity, with minimum backlift. The power!
“When we bring the young goalkeepers from the academy in for training, because we’ve had one or two injuries, they come in and we ask them and they go ‘AIdo!’.
“His shooting, they have never experienced anything like it.
“They are young players in finishing sessions. What the hell is this! It’s like something they never knew existed.
“They just all talk about him. The way he hit that ball, he does it every day, numerous times. Such absolute power.”
SHORT ON OPTIONS
But Kenny acknowledged he now faces a selection headache ahead of Monday’s game with Derry City with just two fit midfielders available.
Lennon is out for four weeks while Kian Leavy is also recovering from a knee problem.
And Romal Palmer (hamstring) went off on Friday before Barry Baggley was sent off.
It leaves Chris Forrester and Brandon Kavanagh as the only available senior midfielders.
Kenny added: “You think you might have too many and who am I going to leave out but all of a sudden you have to find someone else to play in there.
“We have to think outside the box a little and see what we do.”
