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With their cup adventures now firmly behind them, Mark
McDonnell’s men have been able to re-focus their attentions
fully on league business, and have followed their recent
success against Barnoldswick with notable wins away to
Poulton and Burnley United, and at home to title chasing
Blackpool Wren Rovers. Recent weather conditions have of
course played havoc with fixtures, resulting in an end of
season pile up for many, so although both teams still have a
remaining fixture, there was somewhat of an end of season
atmosphere when Dalton finally came calling this week-end. A
fine afternoon and the carry-over from a friendly earlier in
the day against a touring Austrian team ensured a healthy
crowd, which added to the occasion.
McDonnell continued with his recent
policy of having a look at some of the rising stars who have
helped the reserves and the under 18s to success this
season, and as in the aforementioned recent encounters, the
result was a very entertaining afternoon of free flowing and
uninhibited football. Damian Stewart continued where he left
off in mid-week with another excellent shift, and notched
two very well taken goals for his efforts. Matt Atherton
enjoyed the extra responsibility of a more central role, and
chipped in with a brace himself as well as being involved in
most of Villa’s best moves. Would have had a third, but as
his effort trundled towards the line Aidy Briggs, enjoying a
purple patch late in his career, nipped in to make sure.
Garreth Jones grabbed a consolation for
the visitors with a very well placed stooping header which
Ross Baxter could only watch as it flew past him, but the
points were already sewn up by that stage.
Danny Brown continues to assert himself
as a real contender for a regular berth, and Eliot Dunn
confirmed, like colleagues Rick Wood and Michael Thomson in
recent outings, that he can translate the promise shown in
the reserves into first team standard, and will have some of
the ‘ older heads’ looking over their shoulders. Great too,
to see John Salisbury back better than ever after a long
injury. Lots of reasons for optimism down at the Villa.
Villa wrap up their season with the oft
postponed local derby against Coppull this THURSDAY, 8th
May at 6.45. [Please note THURSDAY, pay no attention to Baz.]
Should be a fascinating game, don’t think for one minute
there’s nothing at stake – Villa have always struggled to
get the better of their neighbours, and will be determined
to finish their most successful season ever in style. Don’t
miss it.
Villa Line up: Baxter, Brown, Davies,
L.Chambers, Bolton, C.Chambers, Atherton, M.Conway, Dunn,
Stewart, Briggs, (Dickinson, Salisbury, Thomson)
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