Abbey Villa F.C 2nds Secure Convincing 2-0 Win At Drome Park

NAFL 3A result:

Ards Rangers 2nds 0 v 2 Abbey Villa 2nds

Goals:

Louis Gault-Reed ?

Marcus McGrath ?

Villa 2nds travelled to Drome Park yesterday to face Ards Rangers 2nds in a local derby encounter.

After the Christmas break, the lads were bursting at the bit to get back in action again for the season.

And from the outset, Villa showed their intent, with Marcus McGrath testing the opposition goalkeeper in the eighth minute, though his effort was comfortably saved. Five minutes later, Daniel McFarland also forced a save, signalling the visitors’ attacking threat early on. Jamie Craig’s free kick attempt on 25 minutes drifted wide, but Abbey Villa’s pressure was relentless.

A key moment though came in the 32nd minute when Ross Murray produced a remarkable point-blank reaction save to deny Rangers 2nds, keeping the clean sheet intact and boosting his team’s confidence. Kyle Irwin then had a great effort saved just before half-time, maintaining the goalless but tense atmosphere.

Villa broke the deadlock right on the stroke of half-time. Kyle Irwin delivered a precise cross into the box, where Louis Gault-Reid was perfectly positioned to finish inside the area, giving the visitors a crucial lead going into the break. At the interval, Thomas Drysdale was replaced by Matthew Edwards in a tactical switch aimed at maintaining momentum.

The second half got a bit fiestyer at times, this saw Rangers 2nds receive two yellow cards, the first in the 52nd minute and again in the 74th, which disrupted their rhythm for a comeback and gave Villa further control. Villa doubled their advantage in the 56th minute when Marcus McGrath capitalised on a flicked assist from James Edwards to score from inside the box, extending the lead and putting the game beyond doubt.

Further tactical substitutions continued in the 68th minute with Carson Mann coming on for Daniel McFarland and Curtis Shannon replacing James King, both changes designed to shore up the midfield and defence while maintaining attacking options. James Edwards tested the opposition keeper again in the 73rd minute, but his shot was well saved.

Carson Mann had a chance to add to the tally in the 82nd minute but sent his effort high over the bar. Despite this, Villa’s defensive solidity and control of the game ensured no reply from Rangers 2nds.

Marcus McGrath’s influential performance, combining defensive work with a vital goal, earned him the Man of the match award. Villa’s disciplined display secured a well-deserved 2-0 victory, and another 3 points on the road.

MOTM: Marcus McGrath