Villa FC have won the Waterford Junior League Premier Division for the first time in the club’s history.
The FAI Junior Cup finalists went into tonight’s clash with Hibernians knowing that they would secure the title if they avoided defeat, and with the game finishing 1-1 on the night - it cued celebration time at Connors Park.
Hibernians took the lead on the night after just eleven minutes, Alex Phelan giving David Breen’s side the advantage as they were bidding to spoil the party.
However, their lead lasted just 14 minutes - as midway through the first half, up popped Adam Heaslip with the equaliser for the home side to move Villa back into the status of champions-elect.
There was little to separate the sides as they remained locked together for the evening, and while they would have sought a victory to clinch the maiden crown - Villa will be more than content with the result as they add a first Premier Division title to their two Premier Cups.
Conor Coad’s men have been worthy champions, and can play the final two games of the league campaign in the knowledge that they cannot be caught.
With the club still competing in local cup competition as well as the showpiece event in the Irish amateur football calendar on May 22nd, a historic year for the Connors Park club is far from over.
Villa’s attention now moves to their clash with Pike Rovers of Limerick on May 22nd at Cork’s Turners Cross, and with Waterford ticked off the list, Ireland will be next on their all-conquering agenda.
