Abbey Villa pulled back 2 goals in the second half to draw with Drumaness Mills
The NAFL,
Premier League Match,
Venue: Meadowvale, 28 3 26,
Final Score: Drumaness Mills 2 2 Abbey Villa.
It’s getting to that nervous time again in the NAFL Premier League when teams drop off the cliff into the oblivion of the First League, and Drumaness is safe at the moment in fifth place but that could change in a whisker writes Jim Masson.
This Saturday Drumaness play away from home to Rosario YC on the Ormeau Road and while they are fifth bottom in the Premier League on 19 points, Rosario are 6th top on 23 points and have a secret weapon… Gary Keane, the Premier Leagues top goal scorer on 19 goals and he is playing in front of his home spectators and will no doubt be wanting to entertain them.
So this will be an important match for Drumaness for league survival, maybe less so for Rosario but pride will be at stake.
But Drumaness also have 3 secret weapons by way of 3 co-managers, Conor Walsh, Sean McQuoid and Steven Rogan, all former team players, following the demise of Ciaran Brannigan who has moved on after a bad run of defeats. The trio are to manage the team until a permanent manager is in place.
Drumaness got off to a cracking start against Abbey Villa. Calum Dougan opened the scoring in the 28th minute from a cross from the right from Reece Doyle making no mistake with the golden opportunity.
The Mills continued their campaign against Villa and then it was James McGivern’s turn to add to the scoreboard with a shot from 20 yards to the corner of the net on 40 minutes. Villa did try and fight back but were well held by Drumaness until the half-time whistle.
The second half proved more of a test for Drumanes as Villa buckled up and Mark Cooling tried a volley on target at the Drumaness goal but keeper Marc Reid was on to it. Villa were pressing early to recover.
On 55 minutes Casey Courtney scored a couple of yards from the goal for Villa and at that moment the game had a sharper edge to it.
Dougan gave a way a free kick on the edge of his box and Courtney send the kick just over the bar.
Adam Kearney who has recovered from his knee injuring in now back in the first team and was working well on the right left wing.
Then Villa’s Ross Arthurs worked his way through the Drumaness defence and hit the ball twice at goal but keeper Reid made two great reflex saves to stop the visitors equalising.
But Courtney struck again in the 61st minute when hit the ball in low from a throw. Villa had pulled back two goals and had eaten away the two goal lead that Drumaness had in the first half.
Drumaness raised their game and started to press more into the Villa half and Kearney hit a lovely volley that was inches too high over the top post.
Drumaness were having good runs at Villa and Kearney was definitely showing more of his old form. Jack Sharvin too positioned behind the front line was feeding excellent passes forward.
Callum Dougan hit a corker but again it just edged over the top bar. Drumaness were looking more resilient but they needed that rub of the green… a winning goal.
Then Dougan made a great pass to Doyle who in turn passed to Kearney who struck on target but keeper James Darlington made a pressure save putting the ball out for a corner.
Kearney came off and was subbed by Jack McMaster and before long he was fouled by Matthew Dempster 40 yards out and a free kick was given… another opportunity for Drumaness to take advantage and win the match but that too proved a damp squib.
Villa won a corner and midfielder Mark Cooling send it over the bar. Villa started to come back into the game and they won another corner as they pressured Drumaness. Sub Ross Murphy hit the ball well from inside the box but it was well held crucially by Drumaness keeper Marc Reid.
Drumaness looked a bit jaded as a side are coming up to the end of the season, but the energy is there, and they need to focus on crossing the line to remain in the Premier League for next season and build up again.
That will mean seizing the opportunities that arise for goals and not snatching under pressure.
Drumaness are a talented side, and the club is dynamic. They are currently making some great improvements to the facilities and training area and there will even be a safe walking circuit around the complex for the local community to benefit from. They have everything to look forward to in the 2026—27 season ahead.
So lads, let’s finish this one in style!
