NAFL 3A result: Abbey Villa 2nds 2 v 1 Ards Rangers 2nds
Goals:
Daniel McFarland ? Thomas Drysdale ?
In an exhilarating local derby last night at Adams Park, Abbey Villa F.C 2nds secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Ards Rangers 2nds. With both teams eager to claim vital points in their league campaign.
The match began with Villa looking to assert their dominance early on. Daniel McFarland had the first significant attempt on goal in the 15th minute, but his effort was saved, showcasing the goalkeeper's reflexes. Just two minutes later, Ross Murray was called into action, making a point-blank reaction save that kept the scores level. Villa continued to press, with Matthew Edwards attempting a shot in the 27th minute that sailed high over the bar.
The breakthrough came in the 30th minute when Daniel McFarland found the net, converting a flicked assist from James Boyd with a precise right-footed shot from inside the box. This goal ignited the home crowd and gave Villa a well-deserved lead. However, the match took a turn when Curtis Williamson received a yellow card for unsporting behaviour in the 33rd minute, a moment that highlighted the intensity of the contest.
As the first half drew to a close, Villa maintained their lead, heading into the break with a 1-0 advantage. The second half commenced with both teams eager to make an impact. Ross Murray was again called upon in the 52nd minute, executing a full-stretch save to deny Ards Rangers an equaliser.
In the 57th minute, Villa made their first substitution, bringing on Carson Mann for the injured James Boyd. The change was tactical, aiming to maintain their attacking threat while ensuring stability in midfield. Kyle Irwin had a chance to extend the lead in the 60th minute, but his shot went wide of the target.
Tensions rose in the 62nd minute when Marcus McGrath received a yellow card for dissent, further adding to the competitive atmosphere. Villa made another substitution in the 68th minute, with Thomas Drysdale replacing McGrath as part of a tactical adjustment.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 74th minute when Ards Rangers capitalised on a defensive mistake to score, bringing the game level at 1-1. Villa responded with determination, and in the 75th minute, Paul Mulholland was introduced for Daniel Beach, who had succumbed to injury.
As the match approached its final stages, Ross Murray showcased his goalkeeping prowess once more, tipping a powerful shot over the bar in the 80th minute. The tension mounted as the clock ticked down, with both teams pushing for a decisive goal.
In the dying moments of the match, Villa found their winner in the 95th minute. Thomas Drysdale was the hero slotting home with a right-footed shot just inside the box, after a great through ball from Curtis Shannon, sending the home fans into raptures.
The match concluded with a flurry of yellow cards, including one shown to an Ards Rangers player for persistent infringements in the 88th minute and another for dissent in the 96th minute. Villa emerged victorious, securing a crucial three points in their league campaign. With a lot of top performances on the night, from the majority of Villa's young side. Ross Murray was again imperious in goal, Daniel Beach having a great game until being forced off with injury. But it was young James "Jimbo" King earning the accolade of Man of the Match for his influential performance throughout the game.??????
MOTM: James King ??
