In a thrilling cup encounter at McMullen Park on 2nd November 2024, Abbey Villa F.C 2nds secured a convincing 4-1 victory against 1st Bangor 2nds. The match kicked off at 1:30pm, showcasing a display of skill and determination from the Abbey Villa side, who progressed to the next round of the competition with this emphatic win.
Abbey Villa lined up in a 4-3-3 formation, designed to provide both defensive solidity and attacking flair. Ross Murray took his place in goal, shielded by a back four consisting of Jude Strain and Curtis Shannon as the right and left defenders, respectively, with Joshua Colville and Matthew Edwards forming the central defensive partnership. In midfield, Daniel Beach operated on the right, with Jake Rainey and Marcus McGrath occupying central and left midfield roles. Up front, James Boyd led the line on the right, supported by Carson Mann as the central striker and Kyle Irwin on the left flank. The substitutes for the match included James Edwards, Thomas Drysdale, and Paul Mulholland.
The match began with a dramatic turn of events as 1st Bangor 2nds were awarded a penalty just two minutes in. The early spot-kick was converted, giving the home side a surprising lead and putting Abbey Villa on the back foot. However, the visitors responded with resilience and determination.
Carson Mann was the catalyst for Abbey Villa's comeback, scoring his first goal in the 30th minute. He received a long pass from Jake Rainey and unleashed a powerful shot from outside the box, finding the back of the net with his right foot. Just a minute later, Mann struck again, this time converting a close-range effort following a precise cross from Kyle Irwin, putting Abbey Villa ahead 2-1.
As the first half drew to a close, Abbey Villa continued to press for more goals. In the 44th minute, Daniel Beach extended their lead to 3-1, heading home with flick on from a throw in assist from Jude Strain. The visitors went into the break with a comfortable advantage, having turned the match around in a matter of minutes.
The second half saw Abbey Villa maintain their momentum, but they were forced into a substitution in the 65th minute when Jude Strain had to leave the pitch due to injury, making way for the returning James Edwards, after a long term injury. But despite the change, Abbey Villa's attacking prowess remained intact.
In the 71st minute, Carson Mann completed his hat-trick, scoring his third goal of the match with another close-range finish, this time assisted by Marcus McGrath's cross. Mann's performance was nothing short of sensational, showcasing his clinical finishing and positioning.
Abbey Villa made further substitutions in the latter stages of the match, with Curtis Shannon replaced by Thomas Drysdale in the 73rd minute due to injury, followed by Carson Mann's tactical withdrawal for Paul Mulholland in the 77th minute. Despite these changes, Abbey Villa continued to dominate proceedings, controlling the game and limiting 1st Bangor's chances.
As the final whistle blew, Abbey Villa F.C 2nds celebrated a well-deserved 4-1 victory, with Carson Mann earning the plaudits for his outstanding hat-trick performance. The match highlighted the team's attacking capabilities and solidified their place in the next round of the cup, while 1st Bangor 2nds were left to reflect on a challenging outing.
Telling performances on the day, from Kyle Irwin who was outstanding, and Carson Mann with a great hat trick. But for shear effort and determination on a derby day. Man of the match goes to Marcus McGrath, who covered every blade of grass and assisted the 4th goal of the game.??
