Maynooth University Town tonight beat FAI Junior Cup holders Villa Fc 2-1 tonight. The Kildare side started brightly and we’re confident in possession, dominating the early play. Dylan Pierce was impressive on the left wing, and they made the most of their good work through goals from Sven Biansumba and Jack O’Connor before Villa FC scored to create huge tension in the final minutes

In the opening half, Maynooth were in control of the game as they looked to dominate possession. Dylan Pierce at left-back was particularly effective in his forward play and he looked to bring his team-mates into the game. Maynooth’ changes worked well and Sven Biansumba was proving a handful at centre forward, it was him who eventually broke the deadlock just after half-time.

Villa FC played very direct style of play and struggled to create many opportunities in the attacking end. Villa FC pushed hard in the second half for a goal to even the scores. Maynooth created some good forward play through players like Warfield and Jack Bayly.It was a keenly contested affair with both sides striving to get goals. The substitutions were introduced and proved vital.

Cian Kavanagh, moments on the pitch as a sub, played a key pass in the lead up to Maynooth’s second goal. An unfortunate knee injury meant there would be seven minutes extra time and Villa FC placed massive pressure on the home goal and they did score from a corner-kick late in the game with less than ten minutes remaining. However, despite their valiant effort, they could not muster another goal on the night as the Maynooth rearguard repelled the further attacks.

Maynooth will feel confident entering the next round, as their manager Shane Ward has said, they want to get as far as they can in the competition. Local fans will feel confident that if they can bring a side to Kildare, they stand a good chance on home territory.