Villa FC had to come from behind twice before securing all three points in their historic first home game at workLAB Connors Park.

The Group 3 victory sees Villa move to the top of the table, but they will face another major test next time out against CK United FC, who are level on points with Villa. Only goal difference separates the two sides, adding to what already feels like a South East derby.

It was a young and energetic UCC side who struck first, with Richard O’Shea giving the visitors the lead just before half-time. There was little to separate the teams before the break, with the opening goal the main moment of excitement in the first half.

Villa FC emerged from the interval as a different side and soon found their equaliser through Edmund O’Dwyer in somewhat fortunate circumstances. His initial cross appeared to have already gone out for a goal kick, but play continued, and O’Dwyer was able to find the net to make it 1-1 after 54 minutes.

Just two minutes later, Villa made a triple substitution, with Dean Walsh, Shane O’Sullivan and Aaron O’Connor entering the fray.

However, UCC continued to pose a threat and were awarded a penalty after Villa’s Anthony Webhonuaye conceded a spot kick.

Despite that moment, Webhonuaye had been outstanding throughout the game. The young centre-half looked a real prospect and, aside from the penalty incident, barely put a foot wrong.

Eanna Fitzgerald showed tremendous composure from the spot, sending the resulting penalty low into the bottom right-hand corner to restore UCC’s lead at 2-1.

Villa, though, refused to give up.

Their pressure finally paid off in the 74th minute when Conor Kilgannon found the net to bring the sides level once again at 2-2.

And Villa completed the turnaround just moments later.

Dean Walsh struck to put Villa FC 3-2 ahead, sending workLAB Connors Park into raptures as a crowd of around 900 celebrated a remarkable comeback.

There was still time for one more moment of magic.

On the stroke of full-time, Walsh found the net again to complete his brace and make it 4-2 to Villa FC.

It was a historic afternoon for Villa, their first home game at workLAB Connors Park, ending in a thrilling comeback victory.

From being behind twice to eventually winning by two goals, Villa showed tremendous character to take all three points and move to the top of Group 3.

Next up is CK United FC, with only goal difference separating the two sides. If this opening Home game is anything to go by, that South East derby promises to be another one to remember.