In a tightly contested league encounter at Adams Park, Millisle, Abbey Villa F.C 2nds emerged victorious with a 1-0 win against St. Oliver Plunkett 2nds on 26 April 2025. The match kicked off at 2:00pm, and the home side's early goal proved decisive in a game that saw both teams struggle to find their rhythm.
Abbey Villa lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking width. Ross Murray took his place in goal, shielded by a back four comprising James Edwards and Curtis Shannon as the right and left defenders respectively, with Joshua Colville and Jake Rainey forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Mark Gilliland occupied the right flank, while Louis Gault-Reid operated centrally, and Marcus McGrath took up the left midfield position. Up front, Curtis Williamson and Kyle Irwin flanked striker Carson Mann, who was tasked with leading the line.
The substitutes for Abbey Villa included Jimbo King, James Boyd, and Paul Mulholland, who were poised to make an impact if called upon during the match.
The home side got off to a flying start, with James Edwards scoring the opening goal just five minutes into the match. Edwards connected powerfully with a header from a corner delivered by Kyle Irwin, sending the ball past the St. Oliver Plunkett goalkeeper and igniting celebrations among the Abbey Villa faithful.
In the following minutes, Carson Mann attempted to extend the lead but his shot in the 10th minute went wide of the target. Marcus McGrath also tried his luck in the 16th minute, but his effort sailed high over the crossbar, as Abbey Villa continued to press for a second goal.
As the half progressed, Abbey Villa's defence remained resolute, with Ross Murray showcasing his goalkeeping skills by making a comfortable catch in the 28th minute. The first half concluded with Abbey Villa holding onto their slender lead, entering the break at 1-0.
The second half saw St. Oliver Plunkett come out with renewed vigour, but their attempts to break down Abbey Villa's defence were met with resistance. In the 57th minute, the visitors received a yellow card for dissent, reflecting their growing frustration as they struggled to find a way back into the match.
Abbey Villa made their first substitution in the 63rd minute, bringing on Jimbo King for Mark Gilliland in a tactical switch aimed at bolstering their midfield presence. However, the home side faced a setback when James Edwards received a yellow card in the 68th minute for a bad tackle, putting him on notice for the remainder of the match.
Carson Mann continued to be a threat, but his free kick attempt in the 70th minute again went wide of the mark. The home side made further tactical changes in the 71st minute, with James Boyd replacing Curtis Williamson, followed by Paul Mulholland coming on for Mann in the 80th minute, as Abbey Villa sought to maintain their lead.
As the match neared its conclusion, Ross Murray was called into action once more, this time producing a full-stretch reaction save in the 85th minute to deny St. Oliver Plunkett, what looked like a certain equaliser. The visitors' frustrations boiled over in the 86th minute, resulting in another yellow card for dissent.
Despite St. Oliver Plunkett's late attempts to find an equaliser, Abbey Villa held firm, securing a hard-fought 1-0 victory. Ross Murray's commanding performance in goal earned him the accolade of Man of the Match, as Abbey Villa F.C 2nds celebrated another crucial three points in their league campaign.
