Relentless Villa hit six to claim Premier Cup glory
The Villa FC team celebrate their Jimmy Searson Ardagh Cup final victory over Portlaw United in Ozier Park on Saturday last. Photos: Noel Browne
Villa FC were crowned Jimmy Searson Premier Cup champions after a dominant 6-0 victory over Portlaw United at Ozier Park on Saturday. In blazing conditions, Villa produced a superb all-round display, combining pace, power and quality to overwhelm a hardworking Portlaw side.
The winners set the tone from the opening whistle and were driven throughout by the creativity of Aaron O'Connor and the powerful running of Player of the Match Conor Kilgannon.
Villa threatened early when Josh Kay saved sharply at his near post from John Tamen's fierce effort after just two minutes. Moments later, O'Connor split the Portlaw defence with an excellent pass before Dean Walsh picked out Ed O'Dwyer, whose goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Sam Deevy.
Portlaw weathered the early storm and threatened on 14 minutes when Sam Croke struck from the edge of the area, but Fabian Kerton gathered comfortably. At the other end, Kay produced an outstanding double save on 20 minutes, denying both O'Connor and Tamen to keep the contest level.
Portlaw almost created an opening after the water break when Deevy reached the byline and flashed a dangerous cross across goal, but Darren Rockett could not apply the finishing touch.
Villa finally made the breakthrough four minutes before the interval. Aaron O'Connor released Dean Walsh down the left and his low cross found O'Dwyer, who finished from close range to make it 1-0.
The same combination struck again in first-half stoppage time. Kilgannon drilled a low ball across the box and O'Dwyer got the decisive touch ahead of Kay, with the ball trickling over the line to give Villa a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.
Portlaw had an opportunity to respond early in the second half when a long kick-out was flicked on by Liam Kiersey, but John Power's effort was comfortably gathered by Kerton.
Villa effectively ended the contest on 63 minutes when Kilgannon collected a pass from Killian Griffin before sweeping a low right-footed shot into the far corner.
The goals continued to flow. On 73 minutes, Conor Whittle's pass released substitute Shane O'Sullivan, who beat the offside trap, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted into an empty net.
Two minutes later Villa struck again. Dean Walsh raced clear before squaring for Whittle to finish from close range and make it 5-0.
Whittle completed the scoring on 80 minutes. Adam Conway surged forward and delivered a cross to the far post where Whittle arrived to guide the ball home and complete an emphatic victory.
Following the final whistle, Amber Searson presented the Jimmy Searson Premier Cup to Villa captain Luke Walsh. She also presented the Player of the Match award to Villa midfielder Conor Kilgannon.
Fabian Kerton; James Kennedy (Shane O'Sullivan 65), John Tamen (Darragh O'Connor 73), Tony Ebhonuye, Luke Walsh (Anderson Dube 73), Conor Kilgannon, Dean Walsh, Aaron O'Connor, Killian Griffin (Adam Conway 74), Cian Browne, Ed O'Dwyer (Conor Whittle 65).
Joshua Kay (Conor McHugh 75); Alfie Keane, Peter Woods, Darryl Walsh, Tigheaman King, Josh Moore, Kealan Kiersey (Liam Kiersey h/t), Darren Rockett (Jack Kennedy 66), Sam Croke (Kevin Lyons 66), John Power, Sam Deevy (Theo Mansfield Meagher 75).
Referee: Chris Maher, assisted by Gavin Keyes and Noel Purcell with Eamonn Russell fourth official.
