NAFL 3A result:
Comber Rec 2nds 2 v 0 Abbey Villa 2nds
In a somewhat heated local derby encounter at Park Way yesterday. Abbey Villa 2nds faced off against Comber Rec 2nds, ultimately succumbing to a 2:0 defeat, and despite a spirited performance, Villa could not find the back of the net, while their opponents capitalised on their chances.
As the first half unfolded, both teams struggled to break the deadlock, with neither side able to convert their chances into goals. The first significant moment came just before the half-time whistle when a Comber Rec player received a yellow card for a bad tackle, reflecting the increasing intensity of the contest. The half concluded with the score still at 0-0, leaving both teams eager to find a breakthrough in the second half.
The second half began with Comber Rec seizing the initiative, scoring their first goal just five minutes after the restart. This early strike shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. Shortly thereafter, Villa's fortunes worsened when an unfortunate own goal doubled Comber Rec's lead, leaving Villa trailing 2-0.
In an attempt to change the course of the match, Villa made their first substitution in the 55th minute, bringing on Jay McCoy for Paul Mulholland. The introduction of McCoy aimed to inject fresh energy into the attack, but Villa struggled to find a way through Comber Rec's resolute defence.
As the match progressed, tensions flared, resulting in another yellow card for a Comber Rec player in the 66th minute for offensive language and gestures. Villa's Curtis Shannon also found himself in the referee's book in the 75th minute for a late challenge, further complicating Villa's efforts to mount a comeback.
With the match nearing its conclusion, Comber Rec continued to assert their dominance, earning yet another yellow card for a bad tackle in the 81st minute. Villa made their second substitution shortly after, with Harvey Carnduff replacing Curtis Shannon in the 82nd minute, as they sought to regain control of the midfield.
In the same minute, Comber Rec received another yellow card for persistent infringements, highlighting the physical nature of the contest. Despite their best efforts, Villa could not find a way back into the match, and the final whistle confirmed a disappointing 2-0 defeat.
Louis Gault-Reid was recognised for his commendable performance, earning the title of man of the Match, but it was not enough to change the outcome for Villa 2nds on this occasion.
On the plus side: With results elsewhere, going in Villa's favour, a 4th place finish in the league has now been secured. Not too bad for a first season up in the top reserve division. After the highs of last season, this one has been blighted with a lot of injuries etc, but the lads persevered and managed to put together some great performances along the way. We can now assess the final league position with a lot of pride, especially for such a young side to compete in 3A. But we must also ponder over what might have been in multiple games this season, in both league & "cup". Though the lads now know that they are more than capable of competing at this level and hopefully they can build on this and kick on next season.??????
# One more game to finish off the 24/25 season sees Villa travel to East Belfast on Tuesday night.
