Match Report » Abbey Villa V Derriaghy C C

Derriaghy CC came to Millisle as the team in first place and gave a performance which underscored the position that if any team wants to win 1a they will have to finish above them.  Derriaghy passing play was impressive and seldom has a better football side been at Adams Park .

Villa had a very poor start with former international Peter Kennedy the architect of their downfall.  In the second minute he swept a pass form his left back position to right wing in behind Best.  A Derriaghy forward seized the pass and Villa were 1-0 down.  Villa had barely settled themselves from the restart when a similar ball set up the same scenario and Villa were 2-0 down.

Minutes later Moore made a good save from Rosbotham.  It was followed quickly by a dangerous free kick from Stewart and another chance from Rosbotham which went over the bar.

With Derriaghy playing great passing football, Villa had little option but to withdraw into their own half and concede possession to the Derriaghy defence.  This gave Kennedy enough freedom to make a nuisance of himself as he pulled the strings from left back.

Villa reorganised somewhat and Norman Mitchell moved to left midfield to offer more cover for the beleaguered Best.  The move paid dividends and that flank had a more solid feel.  Debutant Gabbey gave a good opening performance at centre back and made a great tackle on Rosbotham near the end of the half to prevent a shot on goal.  However, Villa conceded in the 41^st minute from a free kick which sent them 3-0 down.

Kane headed over from an Adair corner.  Play switched to the Villa end and Moore did well to save a shot from Rosbotham.

Derriaghy’s dominance continued in the second half.  Moore made another fine save.  The ball seldom stuck up front for Villa and the defence struggled manfully against a tide of attackers. 

Adair was replaced through injury by Eccles.  The substitution saw Eccles move in the defence.  Gabbey moved into midfield to stretch his legs and added both a combative quality and a desire to press.  He managed to push well into the Derriaghy half and stung the keeper’s hands from distance.  Rosbotham was a thorn in Villa’s side against and he added the fourth goal in the 75 minute and the game was well beyond Villa.  Steward added the fifth shortly before end.

Norman Mitchell was awarded man of the match for Villa.

Villa:  David Moore, George Gamble, Matthew Best, David Gabbey, Kurtis Kane, Thomas Canavan, Anton McCormick, Luke Adair, Norman Mitchell, Joshua Hall and Chris Wright.  Subs:  Alan Strain (for Gamble), Robert Eccles (for Adair), Ryan McGarvey (for Hall).

Derriaghy CC:  John Rosbotham, Sam McNaul, Peter Kennedy, Andrew Patterson, Matthew McKinstry, James Montgomery, David Elliot, Christopher Stewart, Aaron Baker, Colin Arnott and Andrew Rosbotham.  Subs:  Niall Burke, Craig McCarthy and Stuart Orr.

Referee:  Damien Grimley ( Bangor )