Abbey Villa F.C 2nds Lose Narrowly To Kelvin OB At Adams Park

Junior Shield R3

Abbey Villa 2nds 1 v 2 Kelvin OB

The match began with Villa showing intent but discipline issues surfaced early. Curtis Shannon received a yellow card in the 13th minute, for a supposed bad tackle? ?? A caution though, that hinted at the physical nature of the contest. Just a minute later, Mathew Burke missed at the back post with an attempt, signalling Villa’s attacking ambitions.

Kelvin responded robustly, and their aggression was reflected in a yellow card for one of their players in the 27th minute. Villa’s Marcus McGrath had a chance to break the deadlock in the 31st minute but his effort flew high over the bar, missing a good opportunity to take the lead.

The home side’s frustrations grew as James Boyd was booked for unsporting behaviour in the 37th minute, followed by Jake Rainey receiving a yellow card for dissent just before half-time as the captain aired his frustrations after a few dubious decisions were not given. Despite these disciplinary setbacks though, Villa struck late in the first half. In the 44th minute, James King capitalised on a precise assist from Kyle Irwin, slotting the ball inside the box with his right foot to give Villa a deserved 1-0 lead going into the break.

The second half saw Kelvin intensify their pressure. Both sides continued to pick up cautions, with Kelvin receiving a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 64th minute, matched by a similar booking for Villa’s Thomas Drysdale at the same time. Tactical changes followed shortly after as Villa replaced James Boyd with Carson Mann in the 67th minute, aiming to refresh their attacking options.

Injury forced another substitution for Villa when Mark Gilliland came on for Mathew Burke in the 70th minute. Despite these changes, the home side’s lead was overturned late on. An unfortunate own goal from Louis Gault-Reed gifted Kelvin an equaliser in the 83rd minute, shifting momentum dramatically. And just three minutes later, Kelvin struck again to take the lead 2-1, a goal that ultimately decided the contest.

Abbey Villa made a final tactical substitution late on, bringing on young Cameron Montgomery for Curtis Shannon. Villa pushed hard for an equaliser. However, Kelvin OB held firm to secure their victory.

James Boyd was named man of the match for his influential role up top. Villa will reflect on a tough game, with lots of positives to take though, against a top 2A opposition, in fantastic form currently. Kelvin OB progress to the 4th round, with a hard-fought 2-1 win.

All the best to them for the season.??