Albion got their first win of 2014, in only their third game of the year, tonight against Afton Villa at Eli Lilly. Albion were in a dominating mood right from the start when after just two minutes James O’Driscoll was brought down in the box by the keeper. It was a definite peno & a card should have followed though the ref gave a corner. Villa had corners in abundance but Albions defence held. Albion had plenty of early chances, the best coming to Jamie Daly after JP Hayes had played him through but he failed to scoop the ball past the keeper. Albion broke the deadlock on 28 mins through Ben Dillon whose deflected shot caught the keeper off guard with a hint of sunlight affecting his vision. 6 minutes later Albion were 2-0 up after Jamesies shot just inside the box went through the keepers hands. Ben made it 3-0 just on half time after a blocked shot from Japs spilled left of the goal where Dillon was waiting to grab his 7th goal of the season. 3-0 half time.

Albion May have come out after half time a little too relaxed as Villa piled on the pressure. Albion looked shaky at times trying to deal with 3 up front. The pressure paid off for the visitors as they scored a goal through some slack tracking from Albion. The home side switched to defensive mode, changing from 4-4-2 to 4-1-4-1. Villa were still pressing but doing little to trouble Walshy. Rob Daly made his come back on 70 mins as he replaced Jamie Daly. He made an immediate impact holding the ball up well from clearances to relieve the back four. On 79 mins his impact was apparent when Jody Mac cut out an attack from left full, broke with the ball and crossed superbly over the keeper for Rob to tap home for his 8th of the season. Conan was unlucky not to make it 5-1 after some inspired work from Daly on the left.

Team. Walshy, Darren (Dan Coleman ’81), Jody, Colm, Deccy, Japs, James, Conan, Gally, Ben, Jamie (Rob ’70).