Sligo have it all to do next week
Sligo Rovers 1 KS Vllaznia 2
Despite the award of two second half penalties, a stunning strike from winger Dritan Smajlaj and an Alan Keane own goal left Sligo facing an uphill battle ahead of next week’s return in Albania.
Sligo dominated the opening half, but their only clear-cut chance came on 42 minutes when Romu Boco volleyed off the bar.
Vllaznia silenced the 2,700 full house to take a 69th minute lead when Smajlaj finished his diagonal run with a stinging low drive from 25 yards.
The Albanians effectively sealed their passage when Keane deflected Noricini Shtubina’s cross into the corner of his own net six minutes later.
On a night to forget for Keane he then crashed an 81st minute penalty - given for handball by Elvin Beqiri - off the Vllaznia bar.
Sligo did get a goal back from a second penalty on 89 minutes, confidently slotted home by Rafael Cretaro, after Vllaznia keeper Armir Grimaj was sent off for elbowing Richie Ryan.
