Abbey Villa F.C 2nd Team Fall To Belfast Celtic YM In Dunmurry
⚽ Result
Belfast Celtic YM 2
Abbey Villa F.C 2nd Team 0
🏆 Competition
National amateur football league 3A
Away friendly match
📅 When
Saturday, 01 August 2026
📍 Venue
Sally Gardens Lane, Bell Steele Road, Dunmurry, Belfast BT17 0UJ (Away)
Abbey Villa F.C 2nd Team travelled to Sally Gardens Lane, Bell Steele Road, Dunmurry, Belfast on 1 August 2026 for a friendly away fixture against Belfast Celtic YM, kicking off at 2:00pm. The match ended in a 2-0 defeat for Abbey Villa after a hard-fought 90 minutes plus injury time.
Abbey Villa lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, aiming to balance defensive solidity with attacking width. Ross Murray took his place between the sticks as goalkeeper, protected by a back four consisting of James Edwards at right back, Joshua Colville and Jude Strain as central defenders, and Sam Miller on the left flank. The midfield trio featured Dawid Wieczorek on the right, Marcus McGrath centrally, and James King on the left, tasked with linking defence and attack while providing service to the front three. Up front, the attacking line was formed by Carson Mann on the right wing, Jack Bray leading the line as striker, and Kyle Irwin operating on the left wing. The substitutes bench included Curtis Shannon, Reece Trimble, Cameron Watts, Thomas Drysdale, Jim Robinson, Micheal Woreland, and Andrew Edwards.
The match began with both sides probing cautiously, but it was Belfast Celtic YM who broke the deadlock in the 26th minute. Their goal came from a skilful lob that caught Abbey Villa’s defence and goalkeeper off guard, giving the hosts a deserved lead. Abbey Villa struggled to find a foothold in the game as the first half progressed, with Belfast Celtic YM maintaining pressure and control.
At half-time, Abbey Villa made a triple tactical substitution to try and change the course of the match. Curtis Shannon replaced Marcus McGrath in central midfield, Reece Trimble came on for Dawid Wieczorek on the right side of midfield, and Cameron Watts took over from Carson Mann on the right forward position. These changes aimed to inject fresh energy and creativity into the midfield and attack.
The second half saw further tactical adjustments at the hour mark, with Thomas Drysdale replacing striker Jack Bray, Jim Robinson coming on for left midfielder James King, Micheal Woreland taking over from left back Sam Miller, and Andrew Edwards substituting for left forward Kyle Irwin. These multiple changes reflected Abbey Villa’s intent to regain control and push for an equaliser.
However, Belfast Celtic YM doubled their advantage in the 75th minute, extending their lead to 2-0. Abbey Villa’s defensive line was tested again, and the visitors were unable to respond effectively. Shortly after, Abbey Villa were forced into an injury substitution when Jude Strain was replaced by Kyle Irwin in central defence, further disrupting their defensive organisation.
Despite their efforts and numerous tactical changes, Abbey Villa could not break down Belfast Celtic YM’s defence or reduce the deficit. The match concluded with the home side securing a 2-0 victory, leaving Abbey Villa to reflect on a challenging afternoon in Dunmurry.
