Match Report » Drumaness Mills V Abbey Villa

Villa were bitterly disappointed to be hit with a goal with only seconds of the game remaining to deny them a share of the spoils in a game in which a much changed Villa side worked its socks off to end up on the wrong end of a 2-1 scoreline.

With Canavan and Hall unavailable through suspension and late call offs from Kane and Eccles, the Villa side saw more change.  Ryan McGarvey came in at left back.  Best moved to left midfield.  Mitchell found himself in the unfamiliar territory of centre midfield and was joined their by Willy Matthew.  The forward line changed too with Glenn Culbert and Gavin Munn joining the fray.  Jon Munn made his first competitive appearance between the sticks for the firsts this season.

Gabbey gave an excellent performance at centre back with his composure and distribution from the back a much need tonic for the support.

McEvoy proved to be the home side’s liveliest outlet.  He played in midfield but was always looking to link up with or get beyond his forward line.  His give and go in the opening minutes spelt danger for Villa but Mitchell did well to track back to apply enough pressure to restrict his options.  That said, it took a smart save from Jon Munn with his feet to kept he game scoreless.

Culbert won a free kick inside the Mills half.  Gabbey took the kick and Campbell was relieved to just about gather it when it seemed as if he had misjudged it.

Play switched to the Villa end.  McCormick’s headed clearance fell to Ewan but Jon Munn smothered his effort with some ease.  Villa seemed a little unsettled with the new line up and it told in the 11th minute when the diminutive McEvoy was able to head the home side into the lead.

Wright put pressure on Drumaness with a good ball which brought a save out of Campbell when he tipped a Villa forward’s header over the bar.  Villa squandered the resulting corner kick and were relieved to see the home side blown offside when it looked like another goal was on the cards

The McEvoy created mischief again and Munn did well to gather his shot.  Mitchell made up for his lack of midfield experience with effort but found himself booked for a late challenge.  

A small fracas then saw McCormick and Drumaness’s Ewan booked.  The initial incident had saw Ewan tackle Gavin Munn from behind.  The booking handed the ascendancy in that contest to Munn for the remainder of the half but it was little surprise in the second when a substitution saw Ewan switch to the right and a new left back introduced.

Gabbey continued his strong tackling in the second half and was able to lead his defence with a clear sense of authority.  Villa soon had a real chance when McCormick sent in a good throw which Munn smashed just wide of the net as he spun around.    He had another chance minutes later when he received a pass from Culbert but saw his shot deflected for a corner.

Chris Wright got in on the act when Jon Munn’s early release of the ball to his brother Gavin allowed Villa to turn the home defence.  Wright took on two players but his final effort was snuffed out.

Gabbey made a very positive run into the Drumaness half to release Wright  who sent in a great cross which rose across the goal mouth invitingly but no Villa forward made the ground to reach it.

Considering his lack of matches this season, Matthews had performed well but he welcomed his substitution by Dugdale.  Best made way for Mulholland who slotted in at left back and McGarvey pushed into midfield. 

Villa’s best chance of the game came from a Gavin Munn free kick but Mitchell failed to get any purchase on his shot and Drumaness were let off the hook.  A less certain chance followed when McGarvey sent in a good cross and McCormick attempted a spectacular volley without success. 

Jon Munn made a magnificent save to deny substitute Mason who had only the big keeper to beat.   He was a big presence a few minutes later when Walsh shot wide when he looked certain to score.

McEvoy continued to cause problems and drew a booking from Gabbey when the defender had little option but to foul him or afford him a free run on goal.   The free kick saw Mulholland make his contribution when he headed an effort off the line and it proved to be the first of two clearances which earned him praise. 

Villa found the equaliser in the 83rd minute.  Dugdale’s ball fell to McCormick and he looped a shot on the turn over Campbell ’s head with some gusto. 

Drumaness and Villa both went in search of the three points.  Munn saved from McEvoy again and it took a good clearance from Mulholland to prevent another goal. 

A share of the points would have doubled Villa’s total for the season but, with only 54 seconds on the referee’s watch, Mason scored an emphatic winner.  There may have been little positive in the lack of points but many positives can be taken from the game itself.  Many younger players staked a serious claim to a place in the side and everyone certainly worked hard in a game in which Villa deserved something.  TJ Young certainly learned a good deal about several faces new to him.

Villa:  Jon Munn, Anton McCormick., Ryan McGarvey, Darren Gabbey, George Gamble, Matthew Best, William Matthews, Norman Mitchell, Glenn Culbert, Gavin Munn and Chris Wright.  Subs:  Benji Dugdale (for Matthews), Stephen Mulholland (for Best) and Alan Strain (not used)

Drumaness Mills:  Ryan Campbell, Gary McCormick, Johnny Ewan, David Clarke, Brendan Ward, Paul Walsh, Chris McWarnock, Sean McQuoid, Neil Walsh, Gary McEvoy, Shane Gorman.  Subs:  David Kelly, Rory Mason and John Smith-Small.

Referee:  Kenny Jess (Downpatrick)

Booked:  Mitchell, Gabbey and McCormick (Villa).    Paul Walsh and Ewan (Drumaness)