Abbey Villa F.C 2nds travelled to Ballysillan Leisure Centre on 27 September 2025 for a 2:00pm kick-off in a crucial cup away fixture against Shamrock FC 2nds. The visitors delivered a commanding performance to secure a 4-0 victory, emphatically shutting out their opponents and progressing comfortably in the competition.
Abbey Villa lined up in a classic 4-3-3 formation, deploying Ross Murray in goal to marshal the defence. The back four consisted of James Edwards at right back, Joshua Colville and Matthew Edwards as central defenders, and Curtis Shannon on the left flank. The midfield trio featured Daniel McFarland on the right, Louis Gault-Reid centrally, and Casey Courtney on the left, tasked with both defensive duties and supporting the attack. Up front, the three-pronged forward line saw Mark Gilliland on the right wing, Carson Mann leading the line as striker, and Kyle Irwin operating on the left. The substitutes bench included James Boyd, James King, and Thomas Drysdale, ready to influence the game as needed.
From the outset, Abbey Villa imposed themselves on the match. Just eight minutes in, Louis Gault-Reed set up Kyle Irwin, who expertly finished with his left foot to open the scoring. This early goal set the tone, forcing Shamrock FC 2nds to chase the game. The visitors’ attacking intent was clear, with the wide forwards stretching the opposition defence and the midfielders linking play effectively.
Tensions flared shortly after the opening goal, with Shamrock FC 2nds receiving a yellow card in the 12th minute for dissent, signalling their frustration. Abbey Villa’s striker Carson Mann was cautioned in the 26th minute for diving, a rare moment of controversy amid their otherwise disciplined display. The first half concluded with Abbey Villa firmly in control, having created several chances and maintained a solid defensive shape.
The second half began with renewed intensity from Abbey Villa. Within two minutes of the restart, Carson Mann provided a short pass to Mark Gilliland, who unleashed a powerful long-range strike with his left foot to double the lead. The visitors continued to dominate possession and territory, and in the 56th minute, Mann himself found the net after a cross from Kyle Irwin, finishing confidently inside the box to make it 3-0.
Tactical substitutions followed as Abbey Villa sought to manage the game and freshen their attacking options. At 58 minutes, James Boyd replaced Mark Gilliland, coinciding with a yellow card for Shamrock FC 2nds due to persistent infringements. Nine minutes later, both Carson Mann and Kyle Irwin were withdrawn, with James King and Thomas Drysdale coming on to maintain the team’s momentum and energy.
Abbey Villa’s control of the match remained unchallenged, and in the 83rd minute, Daniel McFarland scored a stunning long-range strike, assisted by a long pass from substitute Thomas Drysdale. This fourth goal effectively sealed the contest and underscored Abbey Villa’s attacking prowess.
The closing stages saw further disciplinary issues for Shamrock FC 2nds, who received yellow cards for unsporting behaviour in the 87th and 89th minutes. Abbey Villa’s James King was also booked for unsporting behaviour in the 89th minute, followed by a yellow card for Casey Courtney in stoppage time for dissent. Despite these late cautions, Abbey Villa maintained their composure and saw out the match without conceding.
Louis Gault-Reid was named Man of the match for his influential role in midfield, orchestrating play and providing the vital link between defence and attack throughout the 90 minutes. Abbey Villa’s comprehensive 4-0 victory was a testament to their tactical discipline, clinical finishing, and collective team effort on the road.
