Mahon: Vital to keep back door shut at home

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC will have to walk an ages-old European tightrope tonight when they take on ÍBV Vestmannaeyjar of Iceland at Richmond Park in the second leg of their UEFA Europa League first qualifying round tie (7.45pm).

One goal down from the first leg, Pat’s know that they must score to keep their European hopes alive — but, equally, any concession of an away goal could spell the end of their campaign.

“Our opponents are a good team and people should be under no illusions about that,” says manager Pete Mahon. “We will have to be at our very best to beat them but that’s what we want to do because we intend staying in this competition.