NAFL PREMIER DIVISION
Rosario YC 1
Abbey Villa 2
By Martin Strain
MATTY Dempster got off the mark for the new season with the defender heading home Abbey Villa’s winner in a close fought affair against Rosario on Tuesday night.
The hosts, who play a very extensive passing game on what is a huge playing surface at the Ulidia venue, were well on top in the early stages and it was no real surprise when they got the goal their play deserved after 15 minutes.
A good ball over the back of the Villa defence was latched onto by Gary Keane who finished well with a neat lob over James Darlington in the visitors’ goal.
As the half progressed the Villa management made what proved to be a good tactical change helping the visitors to steady the ship and slowly but surely, they began to be more competitive.
Unquestionably Rosario would have gone into the half-time break somewhat disappointed that they were only one goal ahead, as through dogged determination Villa managed to stem what at times looked to be a very lively home attack.
Villa started the second half really well, with Rosario again looking dangerous on the break. Darlington was called into action on a couple of occasions, but most of the goalmouth action was to be at the other end of the pitch. Jake Wilson and Charley Craig were having an increasing impact on the game, the home defence struggling to cope with their pace, and it was Wilson who drew the game level when he managed to force home after Rosario struggled to clear.
With around 25 minutes remaining, Villa hit the front. Charley Craig’s initial cross following a corner was blocked but the former Bangor man’s second delivery was right on the money and met by Matty Dempster who gave the visitors the lead.
The game remained on a knife edge, but when substitute Alex McIlmail was brought down by the home ’keeper resulting in a penalty, it seemed that Villa were about to make things safe. However Marc Maybin in the Rosario goal proved his worth by saving the strike from Chris Murray.
Referee Stuart McFarland, who was his normal efficient self, eventually brought the game to a close after playing five minutes of injury time which unsurprisingly saw the home team throw everything but the kitchen sink at the Villa defence as they chased an equaliser.
Safe passage into second round
[with pics]
CLEARER WATER IRISH CUP FIRST ROUND
Killyleagh YC 0
Abbey Villa 4
ABBEY Villa and Killyleagh renewed rivalries last Saturday as the two sides met at the Showgrounds for an Irish Cup first round tie.
I regularly start my match reports by remarking just how good Villa’s pitch at Abbey Road looks, so it is only fair to mention the surface at Killyleagh, for which the club deserve great credit for getting it into the condition it is.
As for the game itself, barring a couple of early forays from the hosts it was Villa who more or less dominated. The first goal came in the 10th minute when Jake Wilson latched on to a long ball and finished, before Killyleagh were reduced to 10 men on the quarter-hour with Keegan Rice shown red.
Returning right-back Ryan Murray added Villa’s second goal when he got on the end of a great crossfield pass by Scott Robbie. Ryan timed his run well and was left with a simple header to get his name on the scoresheet.
As is often the case when teams are reduced in numbers, the team with the full complement tends to overplay a bit. That was the case here as Villa seemed to lose a bit of concentration and got a bit careless in possession.
Killyleagh were handed a lifeline when they were awarded a penalty early in the second half, but Kodi Carson could only drive over as Villa retained their two-goal advantage.
Minutes later Villa stretched their lead via Ryan Convery, whose 25-yard strike capped off an impressive performance from the ex-Portaferry Rovers man.
The fourth goal came from the penalty spot after Charley Craig was upended inside the area. Chris Murray stepped up to drill the ball home and round off a good afternoon’s work for Villa, who have been drawn to face Newmills at home in the next round on Saturday, September 14.
Other results
Pre-season: Abbey Villa II 3-0 Bryansburn Rangers II
Fixtures
Saturday, August 17
First team v Dunloy (A) Steel & Sons Cup Round 2
Seconds v Greenwell Star (A) Friendly
Thirds v Dunmurry YM III (H) Friendly