Temple Villa FC Triumph 3-1 At Moate Against Portlaoise AFC

On 17 January 2026, Temple Villa FC travelled to Moate to face Portlaoise AFC in a league away fixture kicking off at 2:00pm. The match lasted 60 minutes plus added time, concluding with a 3-1 victory for Temple Villa FC.

Temple Villa lined up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, designed to balance defensive solidity with attacking creativity. Sam Mellet guarded the goal, supported by a back four comprising Oliver Cooney at right back, Dan Dwyer and Tiernan O'Shaughnessy as central defenders, and Cian Buckley on the left. In midfield, Darragh Nee and Reuben Davis operated as the double pivot, tasked with breaking up play and distributing the ball forward. Ahead of them, Luke McCrossan occupied the right attacking midfield role, Christopher Coyle played centrally behind the striker, and Tom Adamson took up the left attacking midfield position. Leading the line was striker Harry Donlon, expected to convert chances created by the attacking trio. No substitutes were named for this fixture.

From the outset, Temple Villa’s shape promised a blend of defensive resilience and attacking fluidity, with the full-backs expected to support wide attacks while the central midfielders maintained control in the middle of the park. The attacking midfielders were charged with linking play and providing service to Donlon, who would be the focal point of the attack.

The first half saw both teams contesting possession keenly, but it was clear that Temple Villa’s midfield duo were effective in stifling Portlaoise’s attempts to build momentum. The defensive line remained disciplined, limiting clear-cut chances for the hosts. The half-time whistle arrived at the 30-minute mark, with the scoreline reflecting a tightly contested opening period.

In the second half, Temple Villa’s attacking intent became more pronounced. The interplay between McCrossan, Coyle, and Adamson began to unlock the Portlaoise defence, creating multiple opportunities for Donlon. Their persistence paid off as the visitors found the net three times, each goal a testament to their cohesive team play and clinical finishing.

Portlaoise managed to pull one goal back, but it was not enough to stem the tide of Temple Villa’s dominance. The visitors’ defensive organisation ensured that despite Portlaoise’s efforts, they could not mount a sustained comeback.

Ultimately, Temple Villa’s 3-1 victory at Moate was a demonstration of tactical discipline and attacking efficiency. Their well-drilled 4-2-3-1 formation allowed them to control the game’s tempo, with key contributions across all areas of the pitch. This result will surely boost their confidence as the league campaign progresses.