Villa are one point away from sixth Premier crown
Villa FC, who beat Tramore in the Azzurri Premier League on Wednesday night at Graun Park. Photo: Paul Elliott
Villa FC moved to within a single point of securing a remarkable sixth consecutive Waterford Premier League title after edging past Tramore AFC at Graun Park on Wednesday night.
With three league fixtures remaining, Conor Coade's side now require only a draw or another victory to clinch yet another championship. Dean Walsh proved the match-winner, calmly converting a second-half penalty to continue his impressive goalscoring form.
Despite the narrow scoreline, the game was an entertaining affair, with both sides committing to an open and attacking style throughout the 90 minutes.
The home side made the brighter start and almost opened the scoring after just two minutes. Darby Sheridan slipped a clever pass into Charlie Binions, whose left-footed strike forced Villa goalkeeper Fabian Kerton into an excellent one-handed save.
Villa responded five minutes later with a flowing move of their own. Dean Walsh burst down the byline and crossed for Shane O'Sullivan, but Jack Deegan produced a superb goal-saving block to keep the sides level.
Walsh remained a constant threat and, shortly afterwards, beat the offside trap only to fire into the side-netting.
Midway through the opening half, Binions again caused problems for the Villa defence, weaving past several challenges before directing a tame effort comfortably into Kerton's hands.
At the other end, Tramore defender Conor Signorelli was fortunate not to score an own goal when he sliced at a Shane O'Sullivan corner, the ball flashing narrowly wide of the post.
Villa created the final chance of the half when O'Sullivan's corner dropped to Killian Griffin, whose effort came back off the upright before Luke Walsh fired the rebound over the crossbar.
The decisive moment arrived five minutes into the second half.
Conor Whittle delivered a dangerous cross into the penalty area and, under pressure, Tramore defender Jack Deegan handled the ball. Referee John "Sconnie" Walsh had no hesitation in pointing to the spot.
Dean Walsh stepped up and confidently sent goalkeeper Gavin Buckley the wrong way to give Villa a precious 1-0 lead.
The visitors looked to build on their advantage and almost doubled their lead eight minutes later when Walsh headed a Jeff Da Silva cross over the bar.
On 68 minutes Villa threatened again. James Kennedy's delivery from the right found Da Silva, but Buckley was equal to the header with a smart save.
Tramore continued to battle and came close to an equaliser after 70 minutes when substitute Adam Chapman drove into the box, only for Kerton to produce another important save at his near post.
Villa nearly wrapped up the points with eight minutes remaining. Walsh released James Kennedy down the flank and his low cross picked out Da Silva, whose effort cleared the crossbar.
The hosts fashioned one final opportunity in the closing stages. Darby Sheridan turned sharply on the edge of the area and curled a left-footed effort towards the far corner, but Kerton dived brilliantly to his right to preserve Villa's clean sheet and secure a potentially title-defining victory.
Gavin Buckley; Cian Flanagan, Conor Signorelli, Ryan Walsh, Jack Deegan, Kealan Graham (Alex Sheehan 39), David Cooley, Johnny St Ledger, Darby Sheridan, Dara O'Brien (Barry Roche 75), Charlie Binions (Adam Chapman 46).
Fabian Kerton; Darragh O'Connor, Luke Walsh, Killian Griffin, James Kennedy, Shane O'Sullivan, Conor Whittle, Dean Walsh, Evan Ryan (Jeff Da Silva 58), Shane Keenan (Daniel Doyle 68), JP Browne (Mike Nzongong 59).
John "Sconnie" Walsh, assisted by Noel Purcell and Adam Walsh.
