De Courcey Albion today earned a tough draw against a very impressive Afton Villa side. Albion were missing 4 first teamers but defended extremely well in both halves to hold off and take a share of the points.

Villa were the much stronger team from the whistle and had created a few chance within the opening 10 minutes. Albion suffered a blow after 12 minutes as James O’Driscoll pulled up with a hamstring injury. Against the run of play Noel Twomey recieved a through ball, beat the defender to the ball and finished past the keeper to but the visitors 1-0 up. The woodwork & a few excellent saves from Michael Walsh kept Albions lead in tact as they went into the break 1-0 to the good.

Albion started the second half well and were now looking to play more attacking as JP Hayes did some good work down the right. With 20 minutes left a lapse of concentration cost Albion as, after a mix up, Villa took their chance to level. The game was swinging either way in the last 10, but the talking point will be a clear penalty when Martin Ryan was taken down in the final minutes but play was waved on.

A good point away from home for Albion who will now be tested next sunday against Carrigtwohill United at Eli Lilly.

HT: 0-1

Scorer(s): Noel Twomey

Team: Michael Walsh, Ger O’Connell, Colum Walsh, Declan Murray, Colm O’Donovan, JP Hayes, Noel Twomey, James O’Driscoll, Conan Dillon, Jason O’Riordan, Darren Daly.

Subs: Martin Ryan (James O’Driscoll ’12) Jody MacNamara (Darren Daly ’70), Jamie Daly, Kevin O’Neill.