Historic night for Villa as second-half surge downs UCC in FAI National League
Conor Kilgannon of Villa, right, on his way to scoring his side's second goal during the FAI National League match between Villa and UCC at workLAB Connors Park. Photos:Thomas Flinkow/Sportsfile
Villa FC marked their first-ever home game in the FAI National League with a memorable comeback victory as they overturned two deficits to defeat UCC 4-2 at workLAB Connors Park.
Backed by a large and enthusiastic home crowd, Conor Coad's side showed impressive resilience and fitness to recover from setbacks and claim a second successive league victory, capping a landmark evening for the club.
The visitors struck first in first-half stoppage time when Ronan O'Shea found the net to give UCC a 1-0 interval lead, a blow that arrived just as Villa appeared set to reach the break on level terms.
Villa responded positively after the restart and deservedly drew level after 54 minutes. John Tamen was the architect, providing the pass for Ed O'Dwyer, who finished to make it 1-1 and spark the home supporters into life.
However, UCC regained the advantage nine minutes later. Villa conceded a penalty following a counter-attack and Éanna Fitzgerald made no mistake from the spot, sending Craig Dunphy the wrong way to restore the visitors' lead.
The hosts refused to be deterred and their persistence was rewarded in the 74th minute. Aaron O'Connor delivered an excellent corner from the left and Conor Kilgannon rose highest to power a header to the net for 2-2.
Just two minutes later Villa were in front for the first time. O'Connor was again involved, this time whipping in a dangerous cross from the left that UCC defender John O'Donovan could only divert past his own goalkeeper under pressure from Dean Walsh.
With UCC throwing numbers forward in search of another equaliser, Villa sealed the points in added time. Conor Whittle slipped a perfectly weighted pass through for Walsh, who kept his composure to finish right-footed beyond the advancing goalkeeper and complete a remarkable comeback.
Villa manager Conor Coad admitted the contest had become more dramatic than he would have liked, but praised his players' character and conditioning.
"The timing of their first goal was a stroke at half-time," he said when speaking to the Waterford News & Star minutes after the final whistle.
"We'd levelled early in the second half and had all the momentum in the game, then we gave away a penalty from a counter-attack and really gave them something to hold on to.
"The lads had to dig real deep and show all their character as well as their quality. To get back level and then go on and get the two goals to win the game was fantastic. It was a great occasion and lovely to mark our first home National League game with a victory."
Coad also highlighted the fitness levels within his squad after they finished strongly despite the demanding nature of the contest.
"The group we have there, in terms of their fitness levels and how they look after themselves, they finish right through the whistle. That's one of their mantras. They've been really good with their training intensity and they work extremely hard to test each other week in, week out.
"When they need to go deep into games they have the fitness levels and the desire to do that. Overall, I'm absolutely delighted with them as a group."
For the Villa boss, a lifelong club man, the occasion carried significance beyond the result.
"The numbers down here today were just fantastic. The atmosphere was brilliant and seeing the reactions from the people who came down as the goals went in was special.
"We've so many kids here who love the fact they now have a team in their own club to support and cheer on. It's been a big challenge on and off the pitch to get everything ready, so to end up with a positive result and such a fantastic occasion is brilliant."
The perfect start to Villa's National League campaign continues, with six points from two games and a memorable first home night now secured in front of an appreciative Connors Park crowd.
