In a gripping encounter at Adams Park, Millisle on 12 April 2025, Abbey Villa 2nds faced off against Rosario YC 2nds in a league home match that ended in a dramatic 2-2 draw. The match kicked off at 2:00pm, showcasing a fierce battle between two determined sides.
Villa adopted a 4-3-3 formation, with Ross Murray stationed in goal. The defensive line consisted of James Edwards on the right, Joshua Colville and Louis Gault-Reid as central defenders, and Curtis Shannon on the left. The midfield trio featured Jimbo King on the right, Marcus McGrath centrally, and Daniel Beach on the left. Up front, Mark Gilliland operated as the right forward, with James Boyd as the central striker and Carson Mann on the left flank. This setup aimed to provide a balanced approach, blending defensive solidity with attacking flair.
The substitutes for Abbey Villa included Thomas Drysdale, Curtis Williamson, and Marty Hunter, ready to make an impact as the match unfolded.
The first significant moment came in the 17th minute when James Boyd made a promising attempt on goal, only to be thwarted by the opposing goalkeeper, who made a crucial save. Villa continued to press, and their efforts bore fruit in the 25th minute when Daniel Beach found the net with a stunning strike from outside the box, assisted by Jimbo King’s precise short pass. This goal sent the home crowd into raptures as Villa took a deserved lead.
However, the tide turned shortly before half-time. In the 40th minute, Daniel Beach was penalised for a trip, conceding a penalty that allowed Rosario to equalise just moments later. The penalty was converted, bringing the score to 1-1. To compound Beach's misfortune, he received a yellow card for a bad tackle just two minutes later, leaving him walking a tightrope as the first half drew to a close.
The teams went into the break level at 1-1, but the second half promised more excitement. In the 60th minute, Villa made their first substitution, bringing on Thomas Drysdale for James Boyd in a tactical switch aimed at revitalising their attack. Shortly after, in the 65th minute, Curtis Williamson replaced Mark Gilliland, further adjusting the team’s dynamics.
As the match progressed, Daniel Beach had another opportunity in the 68th minute but his effort went wide, illustrating the frustration of the home side. In the 72nd minute, a defensive mistake allowed Rosario to score again from close range, taking a 2-1 lead and putting Villa on the back foot.
In a bid to regain control, Villa made their final substitution in the 75th minute, with Marty Hunter coming on for Daniel Beach. The change proved pivotal as Villa pushed for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off in the 80th minute when James Edwards scored a powerful header from a corner delivered by Curtis Williamson, bringing the score to 2-2 and igniting hope within the home ranks.
The match continued to ebb and flow, but the final moments saw a flurry of activity. In the 82nd minute, Marty Hunter received a yellow card for an infringement, adding to the tension on the pitch. Despite both teams’ efforts to find a winner, the match ended in a stalemate, with both sides sharing the spoils.
James Edwards emerged as the standout performer, not only for his goal but also for his overall contribution to the match. The draw leaves Villa 2nds reflecting on missed opportunities, while Rosario will be pleased with their resilience in coming back from behind early on. The stage is set for both teams to build on this encounter as the league campaign continues.
