AIDAN CARETS

Keena steps up to get Pats fans singing

- GARRY DOYLE

THE last time a Mullingar man received a reception as raucous as this was when Joe Dolan led a singsong in the lounge at McDowell's.

This time it was Aidan Keena who inspired the locals to empty their lungs and deliver their chants. All they needed was an excuse to do so.

And after 81 minutes of an utterly dominant display, their Westmeath striker provided them with the opportunity.

Keena's goal, a penalty awarded for Klaudijus Upstas foul on Mason Melia, was badly needed because at that stage St Pat's had a scarcely believable 18 attempts on goal only six of which were on target.

It was just that sort of night.

Then again it has been that sort of season, this being Keena's first strike since May 30 and just the second goal St Pat's have registered in this timeframe..

Their goal shyness is clearly an issue. Otherwise they wouldn't be out of the running for this year's league. But there isn't much else wrong with their game.