AIRTRICITY LEAGUE LEADERS St Patrick’s Athletic crashed out of the Europa League on a disappointing night in Inchicore.
The Saints lost 2-1 on the night and 4-3 on aggregate against VMFD Zalgiris.
After coming home from Lithuania with two valuable away goals, Liam Buckley’s men were heavy favourites to book their place in the second qualifying round.
But Zalgiris showed the form which has taken them to the top of the A Lyga and took the lead on the stroke of half-time through Mantas Kuklys.
Kuklys then turned provider as top scorer Kamil Bilinski doubled Zalgiris’ advantage seven minutes into the second half.
Pat’s were handed a late lifeline when Anto Flood, on as a second-half substitute, was fouled in the box with five minutes to play.
After a slight delay Killian Brennan scored from the penalty spot, leaving Pat’s in a race against the clock to find an equaliser and force extra time.
But Zalgiris held on to set up a clash with Armenia’s FC Pyunik in the second round.
