Goldline Trophy – Group Stage  24 July 08

Mark McDonnell used the occasion to have a look at several options, both personnel and formation wise. He must have been delighted with his team’s response, with plenty of fast flowing and carefully crafted football to entertain the crowd. He may have had a slight concern that Villa’s complete dominance of the match did not produce more goals, but that will surely come as things settle down.

The goal that clinched the points came in the first half when with a fine piece of individual skill from Gavin Cooper set up George Craddock, and although the latter’s effort was touched on to the woodwork, Tom Whittaker was on hand to slot home the rebound.

Villa went on to control the rest of the match, and although having just the one goal to show for their efforts always left them somewhat vulnerable, in truth they were the better side in all departments and Ross Baxter was never seriously tested. With Stoneclough and Elton Vale drawing 1 – 1 on the same night, Villa’s fate is in their own hands when they travel to Vale on Saturday.