SLIGO ROVERS and St Patrick’s Athletic are in Europa League action in the Ukraine today, with the goal of both to keep the ties in the balance for the return legs next week.

Pat’s face Karpaty Lviv (5.30pm Irish time) at their Ukrayina Stadium, having already stopped off in Iceland and Kazakhstan in previous rounds.

"The journey over was perfect and we’re just having some rest now before we leave for the stadium and training," said manager Pete Mahon last night.

"The players are all in good form and in a confident mood, though it is very warm over here and that’s a bit of a worry. The side we’re facing are not very well known at home but they have a quality team and are a big step up from the previous rounds. That’s what happens when you progress in Europe though, and it’s probably the reason why no Irish team has made the breakthrough yet.

"We’re hoping to do that but it will be a massive task for us. We’ll be trying our best to do what we’ve done previously and keep the tie alive for the home game. It’s a massive task, but we’ll give it a right good shot."

Mahon must plan without Stephen Bradley and Daryl Kavanagh (suspended) but will be able to welcome back a number of rested players. For their part, Karpaty have made a poor start to the Ukrainian Premier League, taking just one point from three games.

Sligo, meanwhile, will have a fully fit squad for their match with Vorskla Poltava (6pm Irish time). In contrast to Karpaty, Vorskla are third from top and Sligo are under no illusions about the quality of opposition they face.

"They play in a 25,000-seater stadium with a wage budget that stretches to around €7m a year," said midfielder Richie Ryan. "But none of that matters on the football pitch. It doesn’t count for anything and we will give it our all."

Next Fixture

Waterford / April 19th @ 7:45pm
Competition: League
Venue: Richmond Park
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Team	Pld	Pts
Shelbourne	10	21
Derry City	10	16
Shamrock Rovers	9	15
St Patrick's Athletic	10	14
Bohemian FC	9	13
Sligo Rovers	9	12
Waterford FC	10	12
Galway United FC	9	11
Drogheda United	9	8
Dundalk	9	4