St Patrick's Athletic begin a UEFA Conference League campaign tonight in dire need of a kickstart to their season and simply a goal as Lithuanian outfit FC Hegelmann visit Richmond Park.
The Saints have had a mediocre league campaign so far compared to how they finished last season.
Stephen Kenny’s side have scored one goal from open play in their last seven matches and are struggling to qualify for Europe again next year.
With just two victories in their last dozen, coming against the bottom two teams in the league, a break from the league will be most than welcome in Inchicore.
The Conference draw was certainly tougher than it could be have been for Pat’s, having been seeded going into this first qualifying round.
The Raudondvaris-based side are something of unknown quantity, emerging as a top side in their homeland due to financial backing early in their existence.
They were only promoted to the top flight four years ago and have played just one European tie in their 16-year history, losing 5-0 to Macedonian side FC Shkupi in 2023.
They finished second in the A Lyga last year and are challenging again this season, hitting five against the side below them in the table, fourth place FA Siauliai.
Cameroonian Abdel Kader Njoya will be a dangerman in attack.
Their squad demonstrates a club which has received investment to compete in Europe, possessing players from Japan, Romania, Nigeria, Brazil, Serbia and Ivory Coast within in their squad.
Kenny is wary of the threats they will pose: "Hegelmann are a multi-national team with players from different parts of the world.
"They've obviously had a good season so far, they're in the top three in their domestic league so we'll have to earn everything tonight. European nights are brilliant, special, you want to create those winning feelings in Europe but we'll have to really work hard to earn everything over the two legs."
Being at home first puts the pressure on Pat’s to try to take advantage to Lithuania next week.
Last season the former Republic of Ireland boss brought the Saints through two rounds of this competition as they reached the play-offs, demonstrating huge potential under his leadership when coupled with the league form.
It hasn't turned out as hoped this year and Kenny does not mind how they progress in this tie, as long as they can find some good form which has deserted them for so long.
He added: "I think we've got to try and get through over the two legs [rather than be gung-ho]. We're at home first, the place looks great and we want to put in a performance that can give us a strong chance going into the second leg."
One drawback for Pat’s is the capacity restrictions at Richmond Park.
UEFA do not allow standing areas, so around 2,500 supporters will be present, less than 50% of what it would be for a big league fixture.
Kenny believes the fans can still make their presence felt: "It's tough that so many people can't go because of the seating rule but we've seen last season, the Pat’s support surprised me how much noise it could make. It was eally brilliant so if we can bring that again, that's really special."
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