Akinrintoyo strike is not enough as Newbridge lose to Villa
Newbridge Town lost out to Villa FC. Photo: Sportsfile
Newbridge Town were left to rue a number of missed opportunities as they suffered a 5-1 defeat to Villa FC in their first home fixture of the new FAI National League season at Station Road on Saturday.
After narrowly losing their opening game against CK United, Martin Russell's side produced plenty of positive attacking play and created several chances, but a clinical Villa outfit punished mistakes at key moments to claim all three points.
The hosts showed from an early stage that they were capable of causing problems. Ruairi Brown was a lively outlet down the left and delivered a dangerous cross inside seven minutes that required a timely intervention from John Tamen before it could reach Paraguayan international Milton Benitez Lirio.
Newbridge's first major chance arrived in the 14th minute when Alex Akinrintoyo timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and race through on goal. However, Villa defender Cian Browne recovered brilliantly to make a crucial challenge and deny the striker.
That proved a pivotal moment as Villa took the lead two minutes later. Sean Martin did well to save Ed O'Dwyer's effort, but Conor Kilgannon reacted quickest to convert the rebound from close range.
The home side continued to battle and nearly equalised on 31 minutes. Isaiah Phillips burst down the left and picked out Akinrintoyo, only for Browne to produce another excellent defensive intervention.
Villa capitalised almost immediately, doubling their advantage when Adam Conway was released through on goal and calmly finished past Martin.
To their credit, Newbridge responded well and deservedly pulled a goal back in the 37th minute. Phillips again was involved as his delivery created the opening, and although Craig Dunphy saved Benitez Lirio's effort, Akinrintoyo was on hand to smash home the rebound and bring the home crowd to life.
Any momentum gained from that goal was short-lived, however, as Villa restored their two-goal cushion before the interval. Aaron O'Connor's free-kick found Browne at the back post and the defender powered a header into the roof of the net.
Newbridge remained a threat after the break and came agonisingly close to reducing the deficit. Akinrintoyo, who impressed throughout, struck the post after being played clear by substitute Darragh Bolton, while Dunphy also produced a smart save to keep the striker at bay.
Those missed chances proved costly as Villa wrapped up victory seven minutes from time. O'Dwyer again provided the assist, allowing Aaron O'Connor to fire a powerful finish into the roof of the net before they added a fifth through Calum Flynn in added time.
Despite the defeat, Newbridge showed plenty of attacking promise and will feel the scoreline was harsher than their performance deserved.
