Stephen Kenny warns against complacency after convincing European win
St Pat's impressed en route to their 3-1 victory against Vaduz.
Jake Mulraney and Joe Redmond fired St Pat’s into pole position in their European tie heading for Liechtenstein next week.
But Saints boss Stephen Kenny has warned against complacency in the days ahead, as he insists the tie is far from over.
St Pat’s led 2-0 at half-time courtesy of Mulraney’s brilliant brace but conceded midway through the second-half before Redmond headed a vital third.
But Kenny said: “It’s only half-time and we’re very aware of that. We’re level headed regarding the situation but the supporters were incredible and gave us real energy.
“They helped elevate the team. The front four came out of the blocks in the first 20 minutes and were electric.
“I’m really pleased with the level of performance. Jake and Romal Palmer, he was the catalyst, and they really made the difference.”
Ex-Ireland boss Kenny continued: “We’ve a lot of time to prepare for next week but this tie is still very much alive as Vaduz showed they can play.
“They hadn’t created too many chances until the goal we gave away, it was an OG and that was a real setback.
“We said at half-time that we had to go over there with a two-goal advantage and the game was in the balance when we conceded that goal
“So we won’t get ahead of ourselves as we’ve a really tough game next week.
“It would be foolish to think anything else as we’ve not shown that level of consistency to merit overconfidence.”
The winners are likely to play Sabah FC of Azerbaijan in the third qualifying round, as they beat Maccabi Haifa of Israel 3-0 in the first-leg.
But two-goal hero Mulraney feels this victory is a sign of things to come from Stephen Kenny’s team.
“We needed that win,” said the winger. “The football has been better since the gaffer came in, but results haven’t shown that. We need more wins to go with performances.
“ Iknow from playing with Romal (Palmer) that his tackling and interceptions is like something I’ve not seen before and I know playing with him I’ll get chances.
“But this is far from over. I know that winning the first-leg means absolutely zero. We have to go to Liechtenstein next week and get another result.”
Mulraney scored with a sixth minute free-kick and doubled his tally 11 minutes later, fishing a ball teed up by Romal Palmer.
“I know I can score those (free kicks) but I need to do it more often,” he said.
And the ex-Orlando City star hailed ex-Ireland boss Kenny for the impact he has made since succeeding Jon Daly.
“I don't think I’ve experienced man management like it. It’s quality and it’s how he gets players on his side.”
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