And after a 1-0 away win at 10-man FC Sabah, a 2-0 victory over the two legs and only the second time in the club's history in Europe that they have won both games, Saints manager Stephen Kenny played down the personal significance of a major victory in his 50th game as a manager in a UEFA competition.
“The players were excellent and I'm very happy with the performance. We won three out of four European games. It's an excellent performance from the players,” said Kenny as he now turns his attention to a play-off round with Turkish side Istanbul Basaksehir, the first leg scheduled for Tallaght Stadium next week.
“It was tough conditions, a passionate home crowd and we're happy to have won both games; nothing is easy, you have to fight for the right to do that and thankfully we did. The feeling wasn't hugely euphoric in the dressing room afterwards, it probably should have been,” Kenny added.
“We know we are in the play-off, the euphoria level was not what you would expect because we now have two games in six days. They have really good attacking players, we were under a bit of pressure early in the game, but the players showed a lot of calmness and intelligence in their defence.”
Even with a 1-0 lead at home, the Saints knew they would face a tough test in the heat of the Azerbaijani capital, backed by a 12-man travelling support. But once again, Sabah’s indiscipline – they had a man sent off in the first half in both games – and the Saints’ attacking prowess saw them survive the draw.
Pat's started slowly and it looked like it was going to be a tough night. There were early chances for Sabah and their experienced international forwards like Pavol Safranko and Kaheem Parris, with Joseph Anang saving a couple of narrow but convincing attempts.
But Pat soon settled into his place at the back, with Tom Grivosti and Joe Redmond leading the way, aided by the brilliant midfield duo of Jamie Lennon and Chris Forrester.
The game turned when the hosts were reduced to 10 men, a straight red card for Soufiane Chakla for a foul on Romal Palmer put Sabah off course and Pat's looked stronger as the half progressed, despite not creating many chances.
Sabah needed an answer in the second half, but gave the initiative and the equalizer to the away team.
Jake Mulraney, a player whose career has been revived by Kenny, fired in a free kick that was contested by Mason Melia and Zack Elbouzedi. Elbouzedi looked to connect with the ball, but it went past the keeper via Rahman Dashdamirov.
Pat didn't give up and instead of holding on to the lead he went for more chances, with chances from Palmer and Forrester, while substitute Kian Leavy made his mark.
A good effort from him in the 88th minute forced goalkeeper Yusif Imanov to make a save and Pat was able to play out the match with confidence.
“It was a tough draw and I wanted to give the players an experience of what it's like to come through the game like that,” Kenny added.
“I'm really happy for the players because it gives them confidence. I learn about them, they learn about me. We improve together and it's a big win for us.”
FC SABAH: Imanov; Seydiyev, Chakla, Irazabal, Letic; Khaybulayev (Dashmadirov 30), Camalov (Nuriev 78); Parris (Alasgarov 58), Sekidka (Seyidov 78), Mickels; Safranko (Aliyev 58).
ST. PAT'S: Anang; Sjoberg, Redmond, Grivosti, Breslin; Lennon, Forrester (Bolger 73); Mulraney (Leavy 78), Palmer (Kazeem 90), Elbouzedi (McClelland 90); Melia (Keena 73).
REFERENCE: M Birsan (Romania)