CCFL Review
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By Gary Culbert
Killavilla United ‘A’ once again came from behind to continue their winning return to the CCFL. Ben Lynch proved to be the difference in Mountmellick, scoring an incredible four of Villa’s six goals against Rosenallis.
Villa were heavy favourites against the point-less Laois side, who finished just outside the relegation zone last season. But the home side turned the form book on its head, capitalising on sloppy defending to take the lead twice, before ultimately succumbing to goals from Ruairí Murphy, Darren Coleman, and player of the match Ben Lynch.
Killavilla United: Aaron Mulready; Eddie Simmons, Ian Treacy, Maurice Walsh, Tom Ahern; Darren Coleman, Kevin Fitzgerald, Dylan Carey; Ruairi Murphy, Ben Lynch, Johnny Corboy. Subs: Miko Pasalic, Robbie Farrell, Jamie Ryan, Junior Egharevba, Lee Doran, Josh Wynne, Ben Leamy, Matthew Moore.
Another positive from the weekend was that Villa’s near neighbours and title rivals, Highfield United of Birr, dropped points in a loss to Ballymahon. This all sees Killavilla United three points clear at the top of the table after as many games, albeit with a game more played than second-place Gallan United.
Attention turns to the Leinster Junior Cup, as Villa Park plays host to Hanover Harps in the second round. Kick-off against the Carlow side is at 2.00pm this Sunday.
Killavilla United ‘B’: Two goals and an assist from Owen Tynan saw Killavilla United ‘B’ begin life in the CCFL with a 4-0 win away to Clara Town ‘B’.
Adrian Elbert’s side were raring to go; a little under six months since their last game, which ended in a NT&DL Second Division trophy lift.
This was already a strong Villa side, but the addition of three players from last year’s ‘A’ team has added serious pedigree throughout the pitch. Ball-playing defender and aerial expert Roddy Teehan slots in at centre-half; Craig Byrne will set the tempo and keep play progressing in central defensive midfield; Michael Fitzgerlad adds goals to the side and is a willing runner out wide.
Having received a walkover from a Wexford side in the opening round of the Leinster Junior Shield, Villa were spared a big journey in the last 32 by being drawn away to Clara.
Killavilla opened the scoring through player of the match, Owen Tynan. Their debut CCFL goal came from a fine ball over the Clara backline by Aaron Loughnane, but the volleyed finish was even better from Tynan.
It was more good work from the front two that brandished the second, Tynan linking up well with veteran Craig Phelan, who supplied the ammunition for Jamie Boland to finish with aplomb. Class is permanent; Phelan finished off a lovely pass by Tynan with a brilliant finish to put the game out of sight at 3-0. The 41-year-old has now scored in each of Villa’s last four games.
The visitors made five subs early in the second half, but that didn’t bring a stop to the goals. Once again, it was some great work by Craig Phelan to slip Mike Fitzgerald through on goal, who unselfishly squared for Owen Tynan, leaving the player of the match with the simplest of tap-ins to conclude the scoring. Villa will play Dublin-based Iveagh Celtic in the last 16.
Adrian Elbert’s charges kick-start their third division campaign this Sunday with an early morning trip to Fenter Park, in Killeigh. The hosts secured promotion last season from Division 3B with a title-winning tally of nine wins from twelve games.
WOMEN
By John Delaney
Ballymackey 5–1 Banagher United
Ballymackey continued their impressive start to the season with a 5–1 home win over Banagher United on Sunday.
With an average age of just 18, Ballymackey's youthful side delivered a mature and energetic performance to secure all three points and move to the top of the table.
The home side took the lead through a well-struck effort from Allison McDonnell but were finding it hard to put daylight between the sides, especially with Bernie Walsh in top form in the Banagher goal. It looked like it was going to take something special to beat her and Amber DeLewis delivered that, combining with McDonnell wide left before curling a spectacular drive in off the far post beating the keeper at full stretch.
Banagher pulled one back on 65 minutes with a well-worked team goal. Ballymackey responded well, McDonnell grabbed her second, set up once again by DeLewis, before Aoibhín Delaney added a solo effort to give the hosts breathing room.
The scoring was wrapped up by U19 goalkeeper Ava O'Rourke, currently enjoying senior minutes as a centre forward. The 16-year-old showed great composure to slot home her first senior goal, capping a fine team performance by all twelve players used.
Ballymackey's work-rate was outstanding. Emma Nolan impressed with a strong display at right back, while 15-year-old Lilly Kate Kenneally shone on the left side of defence. Thia McCarthy brought energy and poise to midfield, while player of the match Amber DeLewis stood out with her all-around class and a goal of the season contender.
With this win, Ballymackey move top of the table. They’ll aim to consolidate their position next Sunday when they travel to Rossleighan Park to take on Portlaoise at 11:00am.