Abbey Villa F.C 2nds Triumph Over Shankill United 2nds

In an engaging cup encounter at Grove Playing Fields on 26 October 2024, Abbey Villa F.C 2nds emerged victorious with a scoreline of 2-1 against Shankill United 2nds. The match kicked off at 1:30pm and showcased a spirited performance from both sides, but it was Abbey Villa who secured their place in the next round with two late goals.

Abbey Villa adopted a 4-3-3 formation, which allowed them to utilise their attacking prowess effectively. Ben McConkey stood guard in goal, while a solid back four comprised Jude Strain and Casey Courtney as the left and right defenders, with Matthew Edwards and Jake Rainey anchoring the central defence. In midfield, Daniel McFarland, Louis Gault-Reid, and Curtis Shannon. Up front, James Boyd and Kyle Irwin flanked striker Carson Mann, who was tasked with leading the line and converting chances into goals.

On the bench, Abbey Villa had stallwarts, Paul Mulholland and Andrew Pitman ready to make an impact if called upon. The match began with both teams probing for weaknesses, but with a dominant display from Villa in possession. It was Shankill United who struck first, just shortly after the break.

With just five minutes into the second half, Shankill United took the lead with a powerful header, leaving Abbey Villa momentarily stunned. However, the response from Abbey Villa was swift and resolute.

The match continued to ebb and flow, though Villa's Curtis Shannon received a yellow card in the 58th minute for what was perceived as a deliberate handball, adding to the pressure on Abbey Villa as they sought to regain control.

And then in the 60th minute, Matthew Edwards equalised for Abbey Villa, rising highest to meet a corner delivered well by Kyle Irwin. His header from close range found the back of the net, igniting celebrations among the Abbey Villa side.

As the clock ticked down, Abbey Villa's determination eventually shone through. When in the 88th minute, Casey Courtney scored the decisive goal, expertly heading in a long pass from Jake Rainey. This late strike sealed the victory for Abbey Villa, sending them through to the next round of the cup.

In the midst of the action, Abbey Villa made two substitutions due to injuries, with Paul Mulholland replacing the injured James Boyd in the 72nd minute, and Andrew Pitman coming on for Jude Strain in the 80th minute. Despite these changes, Abbey Villa maintained their composure and tactical discipline.

The match concluded with Abbey Villa celebrating a hard-fought 2-1 victory, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Louis Gault-Reid was particularly instrumental throughout the match, earning him the accolade of Player of the Match for his commanding presence in midfield and contribution to the team's success.