Snow fails to stop Mills

Snow fails to stop Mills

3 April 2013

IT seems certain now that only a diktat from Stormont or a successful Mayan Doomsday prediction can stop Drumaness from reclaiming their rightful place in the Amateur League’s Premier Section.

The Mills are sitting in second place in the 1A table, just two points behind leaders Crumlin Star, who have played three games less and six points ahead of third-placed Orangefield, who have played three games more than them.

Saturday’s win, however, although never in doubt, had to be worked for as Abbey Villa had no intention of rolling over and handing victory to the Mills.

Drumaness were without several regulars for this clash, but they still asked all the questions in the first half.

The Mills started in a hurry and with just three minutes gone Rory Mason fired a long ball from out on the left into the path of Gavin McEvoy, but he was denied a certain goal by a good save from the experienced Jon Munn.

Four minutes later Mason let fly from 25 yards out, but his effort blazed over the bar. Brendan Ward then chanced his arm with an audacious volley following a corner, but he too was off target.

Abbey Villa then gave the Mills a proper scare in the 22 minute when Kevin Coyle was inches away from converting a John Ritchie cross at the back post.

Drumaness responded perfectly and with 34 minutes gone Paul Walsh headed in a corner from Mason to send the Mills on their way.

Abbey Villa tried to respond and Andy Pateman fired one straight at Ryan Campbell in the 35th minute before Ritchie was out of luck with a stinging left-footed strike from 25 yards out, the ball skimming the crossbar.

The Mills continued to rule the roost after the break with Anton McGrattan and Ward both going close in the opening exchanges. Munn then came to Villa’s rescue with two brilliant saves to deny Ward and Stevie Rogan before Mason finally netted Drumaness’ insurance goal when he tapped in a cross from Owen Wright in the 77th minute.

Brian McIlmurray (inset) put the icing on the cake when he lashed in a stunning strike in added time after he connected with a low cross from Stefan Mason.

Drumaness Mills: R. Campbell, M. Savage, G. Walsh, B. Ward, P. Walsh, O. Wright, G. McEvoy, S. Rogan, A. McGrattan, C. Walsh, R. Mason, Subs: S. Mason, B. McIlmurray, P. Gilchrist.

Drumaness Mills 3

Abbey Villa 0

AMATEUR LEAGUE DIVISION 1A