Villa 1; Southend United 2 (AET)
Two teams who have been setting a blistering pace in the Waterford Youth League came face to face in Connors Park on Wednesday night last in a crucial FAI Youth Cup game, and it came as no surprise that it took extra time to separate two talented outfits.
Pressure on Villa goalkeeper Mark Weldon during another downpour. | noelbrownephotographer.com
On what was a bitterly cold and wet evening, both sets of players were determined to book a place in the next round and following the 110 minutes it was the visitors who achieved their aim.
The Villa fought manfully despite the fact that they had one of their star players, Conor Coad, red carded just before half-time. Prior to his dismissal Coad had put the hosts in front with an excellent header so his absence was a big blow for the home side.
The greasy underfoot conditions and the strong breeze made life difficult for both sets of players but nevertheless they served up a good cup tie. The usual brand of attacking football which has been produced by the Villa and Southend since the outset of the season was not on show, but nevertheless all the players on view gave their all for the cause.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full story or subscribe to our PDF version.
