Abbey Villa F.C 2nds 2 vs 3 St. Oliver Plunkett 2nds

NAFL 3A Result:

Abbey Villa 2nds 2 v 3 St. Oliver Plunkett 2nds

Abbey Villa F.C 2nds 2 vs 3 St. Oliver Plunkett 2nds - match report photo

Goals:

Carson Mann ?

Matthew Burke ?

The match began with Villa asserting themselves early on, and it was Carson Mann who made the breakthrough in the 20th minute. Mann confidently converted a penalty awarded to his side, doubling as his own assist when brought down in the box, to put the hosts ahead. This early goal set the tone for a competitive first half, with both teams probing but unable to add to the scoreline before the break.

At half-time, the score remained 1-0 in favour of Villa. The second half started brightly for the home side as well, with Mathew Burke doubling the lead immediately after the restart. James King with a through ball, allowing Burke to finish with composure and extend the advantage to 2-0.

However, Villa’s momentum began to wane as the match progressed. Managerial changes came in quick succession from the 63rd minute onwards, with Kyle Irwin replacing James King, followed by James Boyd coming on for Mathew Burke a minute later. Thomas Drysdale was then introduced in the 68th minute, taking the place of Carson Mann, all changes in the hope of adding some much needed fresh energy, with Villa seeking to maintain their lead.

The visitors though then capitalised on a series of defensive errors from Villa, scoring three goals in quick succession between the 76th and 82nd minutes. In a lack lustre display from Villa. The first two goals stemmed from defensive mistakes that allowed Plunkett to claw themselves back into the game. The third goal resulted in a fluke after a lobbed cross found it's way in the net, catching the home side off guard and completing a remarkable turnaround for Plunkett.

Despite Villa’s efforts to try and regain control, the damage was done, and the visitors held on to secure a 3-2 victory.

Villa will rue the defensive lapses and lack of game management, that has cost them dearly after a promising start, while Plunkett demonstrated resilience and opportunism to snatch all three points at Adams Park.