Abbey Villa F.C 2nds Edge Past Crumlin Utd 2nds In Thrilling 2-1 Win

NAFL 3A Result:

Abbey Villa 2nds 2 v 1 Crumlin United 2nds

Goals:

Thomas Drysdale ?

Matthew Edwards ?

The game began with Villa showing intent, Curtis Shannon testing the opposition goalkeeper with a high attempt in the 9th minute, though it sailed over the bar. Mark Gilliland followed up with a wide effort six minutes later, signalling the home side’s early attacking intent. However, it was Crumlin Utd who struck first, breaking the deadlock in the 25th minute with a composed finish inside the box, putting the visitors ahead.

Villa faced a stern test but remained resilient. Crumlin’s aggression was evident as they received a yellow card for a late tackle in the 39th minute, a warning that Villa hoped to exploit after the break. The first half concluded with the visitors holding a narrow 1-0 lead.

The second half saw Villa respond with renewed vigour. Just nine minutes after the restart, Kyle Irwin delivered a precise assist to Thomas Drysdale, who finished confidently inside the box to level the scores at 1-1. The match continued to be physical, with another yellow card shown to a Crumlin player for a bad tackle in the 61st minute.

Villa made their first tactical change shortly after, bringing on James Edwards for Mark Gilliland in the 63rd minute to inject fresh energy into the attack. The home side’s determination was rewarded when Matthew Edwards rose highest to meet a cross from Kyle Irwin, heading the ball into the net in the 70th minute to put Villa ahead 2-1.

The game remained competitive and intense, with Matthew Edwards receiving a yellow card for a late tackle in the 68th minute, reflecting the physical nature of the contest. Tactical substitutions followed as Jake Rainey replaced Matthew Edwards in the 75th minute, and Paul Mulholland came on for Thomas Drysdale five minutes later, both moves aimed at maintaining the lead and managing the game’s tempo.

Villa held firm in the closing stages, with a fantastic clearance from Alan Strain in the dying moments to secure all 3 points. James King’s industrious performance in midfield earned him the man of the match award. His work rate and control were pivotal in securing the victory. It was a superb team performance from everyone yesterday, with some notable mentions also, for Marcus McGrath who was tireless in midfield, Kyle Irwin in assisting both goals and young Thomas Drysdale with a great finish that pulled us level after the break.

In what was a hard-fought encounter at Adams Park, Villa 2nds demonstrated resilience, team spirit & tactical acumen to overcome Crumlin Utd 2nds 2-1, a result that will boost their league campaign moving forward.

MOTM: James King