Arklow Town FC Under 10 Season 08-09

<<< Season 07-08                                                                                                                           Season 09-10 >>>

May 23 Sublime Town complete prized Treble in style
Arklow Town U10A team wrote a chapter for themselves in WDSL schoolboy/schoolgirl soccer history in Kilcoole's Finn Park this morning, when defeating Greystones United A to secure the third leg of a coveted treble, lifting the Shield title to accompany the League and Cup titles secured earlier this season.  Once again it was Greystones United A standing in the way of an Arklow success, and having pushed Town closely in the Cup Final a fortnight back they were determined to avenge that defeat.  However, it was Arklow who started brightly, with Neil Murphy finding team mate Conor Dodd out wide right in a sweeping Arklow move.  Dodd raced down the flank and found Liam Scales with a pin point cross, the Arklow striker netting from close range at the near post.  Town doubled their lead in the 12th minute, with Greystones forced to defend deep.  Ross Hanley fired home directly from a set piece on the left edge of Greystones' area.  'Stones rallied early in the second half and should have halved Arklow's lead, denied by an excellent save from Arklow keeper Cathal Kelleher.  The game was put beyond Greystones late on when Liam Scales picked up the ball on half way and after skipping past a number of Greystones tackles he showed great awareness in finding the clinical Ross Hanley who pounced to head home Arklow's third goal and secure Town's amazing treble.

Images from today's game:

May 9 Dramatic comeback sees Town lift Cup
A marvellous advertisement for schoolboy / girl football  saw Arklow Town A and Greystones A light up Shamrock Park earlier today, with the Rathnew venue hosting the first of this season's WDSL finals.  The meeting of the two best under ten sides at this level, in the WDSL U10 Joseph Blunt Cup Final, was the fifth cup decider on the day and both sides rose to the occasion magnificently before a very supportive attendance.  Arklow opened brightly, soon getting into a rhythm, their passing game very much in evidence across the tight playing surface.  However it was Greystones who worked an opening first, midway through the half, a near post finish from the Greystones number eleven eluding Town's defence and keeper, Cathal Kelleher.  The Arklow side responded with half time approaching, their pressure on 'Stones' goal telling, with Liam Scales directing a diving header beyond the keeper.  Previous meetings between the sides have been close affairs, and Greystones, though without a victory over the Arklow side this term, were determined to make amends.  The second half ebbed and flowed with action at both ends.  With nine minutes remaining Greystones scored a wonderful second goal, a thunderbolt from outside the area leaving Town's keeper with no chance.  Town again pressed for an equaliser and through their central midfield pairing of Neil Murphy and Mikey Quigley were continually driving at the opposition, seeking that precious second goal.  It was a well worked move out wide right though that allowed Morgan Harris to cut inside the Greystones left back and he held his nerve before firing the Arklow side's second goal.  Almost instantly Town were ahead, for the first time, with Liam Scales and Jack Darcy working well on the opposite right wing.  Scales drove at the Greystones defence and he fired past the keeper from just outside the left edge of the area, much to the delight of the Town support.  With two minutes remaining Greystones' valiant challenge was ended when Town, again down the left wing, created a killer fourth goal.  Fine work from the excellent Ross Hanley saw the Arklow player float a dangerous ball across the Greystones area.  His superbly weighted ball eluded the defence and found the head of Conor Dodd, arriving late at the back post, and Dodd's diving effort sealed a dramatic win for the Arklow side.  The Joseph Blunt Cup success sees Arklow completing the second leg of a potential treble, with a Shield Final yet to come.  However, Greystones United lie in waiting again and will be more than determined to ensure the Arklow side do not complete a treble this season.  On the evidence of this game it should prove an occasion not to be missed.

Images from Town's Joseph Blunt success can be viewed here.

May 6 10C's enjoy goal crazy night in Kilcoole
A contender, no doubt, for the craziest game of football this season was enjoyed, and at times endured, earlier this evening at Finn Park in Kilcoole, when St. Anthony's played host to Town's U10C team, playing their last Shield game of the season. Both sides are far too young to appreciate ridiculous scorelines of old, such as Real Madrid beating Eintracht Frankfurt 7-3 in a European Cup Final, but tonight's game, though not on a par with the mercurial skills of Messrs. Puskas or di Stefano, was equally as crazy a spectacle.  Enjoyable, but crazy!  Credit both sides for the excellent sporting nature of the game throughout, and like two boxers they ended up trading their best blows when on the ropes.  Town opened the scoring after a bright start, with Dillon Mordaunt and Caleb Briggs-Wolohan combining well up front, with the latter netting.  Four minutes later the sides were level, the Town defensively guilty of ball watching, and the home side needed no further invite before levelling.  Up the other end went Town, Alex Tyrrell working well out wide right, his cross into the box deflected into the net by the helpless St. Anthony's defender.  With it being the last game of the season we'll be generous and give the goal to young master Tyrrell!  St. Anthony's duly went back down the other end of the pitch and despite a fine clearance from Town keeper Eoin Kavanagh the ball was nestled in his net within seconds, again Town caught in keystone kop mood defensively.  Time though for Town to go 3-2 ahead, with half time approaching, midfielder Cameron Walker firing across the area past the best efforts of St. Anthony's fine keeper, who had moments earlier pulled off the save of the game.  Into the second half, Town began, at last, to play some decent football and for the first time in the game began to control the game.  Caleb Briggs-Wolohan, undoubtedly man of the match tonight and enjoying his best game by far this season epitomised Town's spirit renewed with a never say die attitude throughout, and the young Arklow winger deservedly netted his second and Town's fourth goal of the game.  Pádraic O'Connor went close to increasing Town's lead and that moment looked to be a key turning point as the home side scored a third, to reduce Town's lead.  Town's fifth goal was magical, a lovely sweeping move out wide left, coming inside, a great run by midfielder Alex Tyrrell, with Dillon Mordaunt  making a superb run out wide right, into acres of space, the obvious out for Tyrrell.  However, Tyrrell, with little or no backlift, drilled low an unstoppable effort that surprised the home side, into the net for Town's fifth.  Again, the home side rallied and with a fourth goal scored they sensed a leveller.  Kyle O'Connor and Michael O'Sullivan stood firm as St. Anthony's pressed for a late equaliser, clearing one particular ball to safety when a goal seemed certain.  With just two minutes remaining they equalised, a loose ball scrambled home despite the best efforts of Gerard Kavanagh to keep the ball out.  Straight from the kick off Ronan Arthur, another of Town's players tonight excellent throughout, teed up a ball and drove home a spectacular left foot volley high into the top right hand corner of the net.  In keeping with the general craziness of the game it was a more than fitting winner, as beautiful a finish as you'll witness at any level of football this season.  With the full time whistle, it was fair to say all had enjoyed their part in the game, even the defeated St. Anthony's players.  Definitely one of those games that you'll never ever replicate.....even if you tried.  The win lifts Town off the bottom of Division 1, a victory their application has merited over recent weeks when lady luck has deserted them at times.  Lest they forget, this season has been a highly successful one, winning the Division 2 League title before promotion to Division 1.  Onwards and upwards...

Images from tonight's game:

May 3 Malahide test for 10A's
The players and parents of the 10A team gained more air miles this Sunday, when, for the third weekend in a row, they travelled outside Wicklow for a friendly. Malahide was the venue this time, for another 11-a-side game against DDSL premier league opposition.  Town started well, but gradually Malahide United began to dominate proceedings. The Black and Whites came under heavy pressure and would have fallen behind but for the great defensive instincts of Jack Somers in the heart of the defence and a couple of really smart saves from keeper Cathal Kelleher.  Despite being unable to get a hold of the ball to establish any sort of attacking rhythm, and with Malahide showing just why they are rated so highly, Arklow went ahead, totally against the run of play. Liam Scales and Conor Dodd worked a short corner on the right and when the resulting cross was cleared, Neil Murphy finished excellently from the edge of the box.  The lead was held up to half-time, but, despite this, no-one was happy with the team’s performance, going into the break.  It was the classic game of two halves, because Arklow, after a stern talking-to from Coach Mahony, came out for the second half with all guns blazing, and took control of the game.  Neil Murphy and Mikey Quigley started to boss the midfield, with the result that the two wingers and strikers Ross Hanley and Morgan Harris were getting good service and full-backs Stewart Mills and Jack Darcy were now able to start venturing forward.  Good approach work saw chances fall to Steven McDonald, Liam Scales and Morgan Harris, and Neil Murphy and Mikey Quigley both went close with shots from just outside the box.  Ross Hanley went closest when he rounded the keeper and saw his clever chip over three retreating defenders come back off the crossbar.  Thomas Rowan and Jack Somers were coping admirably with any of the home team’s counter-attacks, although Arklow had a lucky escape when a shot flashed across the goal, past the far post.  Just as in the first half, though, a goal came against the run of play.  A mix-up in the Town defence saw a pass being played straight to the Malahide centre-forward, who very gratefully and calmly rolled a good finish under the advancing Kelleher. There was a couple more chances for Arklow before the final whistle, but the game deservedly ended with honours even.  All-in-all, it was a good workout for our boys, who are learning quickly from these games and realising just what it takes to compete against the country’s best teams in their age group.

May 1 Top performance sees 10E's earn reward
Credit to manager James Kingston and his U10E side who tonight finally gained a little overdue reward for their endeavour and season-long commitment with a share of the spoils with unbeaten St. Patrick's at the Leisure Centre.  The 10E side have been short in numbers all season long and tonight was no different with manager Kingston having to yet again dip into the U9 and U8 ranks to make up a starting nine.  Town, as has been the case over recent games, started very brightly and were soon putting the fancied opposition on the back foot.  Sean Saunders and Tom Hurley were enjoying a lot of possession and it was Hurley who opened the scoring for Town with a fine strike.  Town went close on a number of occasions to doubling their lead but a second goal continued to elude them, with the fear being that St. Patrick's would find a way back into the game.  With just three minutes remaining, and Town closing in on a thoroughly deserved three points, the visitors struck with an equaliser, an important goal in their own quest for a Shield Final place.  However, nothing can be taken away from the U10E's tonight - proof that hard work can eventually reap dividends.  One game remains in their Shield campaign, a home fixture against Greystones United C.  If tonight's performance can act as a barometer then they can go into their last fixture with confidence high, securing a first win of the season not beyond them.

Apr 26 10D's close in on a Shield Final place
Arklow Town U10D's have given themselves a wonderful chance of qualifying for this season's WDSL U10 Division 3B Shield Final with a precious 1-0 win over previous leaders Roundwood.  Having lost to today's opposition in their first Shield outing, it was important for Town to register three points today - and that they duly did, with their best team performance of the season, carving out a 1-0 win.  Town's success was built upon a hard working and strong defence, with Nathan Wolohan again excelling in goal when called upon.  The game remained scoreless at half time but the Arklow side stepped up a gear after the break and within five minutes were ahead, thanks to a fine move that earned Town a corner kick.  From the corner, whipped in by Brandon Hogan, it was midfielder Ben Makin who got a final touch from close range to steer the ball over the line, to earn a vital win for Town.  Roundwood rallied, as expected, but were unable to breach a strong Town rearguard, with Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle pivotal in ensuring Town kept their opponents at bay.

Up in Bray, the U10B side closed the curtains on a fine season with a 4-3 victory over Ardmore Rovers A.  Having won the Division 1 title before Christmas and subsequently earning promotion to the Premier division for the Shield competition, the side has found its feet in the top division and deserved to finish on a high against the Bray side.  Tom Maher netted twice, with further goals coming from Ros McBride and Peter Tyrrell in a clash that ended closer on the scoreline than the game suggested.  Town dominated proceedings, with excellent performances from both Cullan Walsh and Daniel Boyle.

The U10A's, fresh from their success at Greystones 24 hours earlier, travelled all the way to Kilcullen in Kildare to take on the Kildare and District League’s U10 Academy team. Playing three 20-minute periods, the Town showed no sign of fatigue, coming out on top, 4-2 the scoreline, with goals from Steven McDonald, Morgan Harris, Mikey Quigley and a penalty from Conor Dodd. With only nine players available and playing eleven-a-side on the wide open spaces of the beautiful astroturf pitch, the team were grateful to Thomas Rowan and Calem Devereux from the 10Bs, who travelled straight after their team’s great win in the Premier Shield at Ardmore to help out and make up the eleven. Everyone played the full time, giving each player a total of 100 minutes football this weekend. Not bad for Under–10s! A special mention for Darragh Fitzgerald, who went straight from yesterday’s game to the green outside his house, where, diligently practicing his chip passing, he managed to badly damage ligaments in his hip. Despite the crutches he was issued after a quick trip to the children’s hospital in Tallaght, he still travelled to the game and was, without doubt, the team’s number one cheerleader. Great club spirit from one of the club’s great prospects.

Apr 25 Top two clash at Woodlands
There was an intriguing clash of styles at Woodlands with the Town’s close passing and dribbling winning out over a very direct Greystones approach in the WDSL U10 Premier Shield clash between the two sides. Right from the start, the Arklow boys dictated play, with lots of movement, good quick passing and some clever dribbles. Mikey Quigley and Neil Murphy were dominating the midfield, while wingers Conor Dodd and Liam Scales were tormenting the ‘Stones full-backs. The opening goal came from a quick switch in play by Quigley, a fine dribble and whipped cross by Dodd and a fantastic header at the back post by Ross Hanley. Another Arklow goal came soon after, when Quigley claimed a loose ball in the box that the home defence was slow to clear and gave the keeper no chance with a low drive. This was quickly followed by some great work by Liam Scales, who chased onto a through pass and got to the ball just before the keeper. He still had a lot of work to do when forced away from the goal, but calmly turned and slotted the ball into the far corner. 3-0 at half-time, but the game was to change dramatically. The defence of Cathal Kelleher, Jack Somers, Darragh Fitzgerald and Jack Darcy, who had mostly been involved in building attacks in the first half, had a much busier time in the second. With nothing to lose and aided by a really strong wind, the home team threw everything they had at the Arklow goal. Driving the ball forward with some strong and accurate kicking, they showed a great never-say-die attitude and were rewarded with a number of corners, before, eventually, they forced a goal from one of these. This was despite Cathal Kelleher’s best efforts to keep it out and all the other players’ appeals to the referee that the ball hadn’t crossed the goal-line! Town were shocked a couple of minutes later when a Greystones midfielder hit a fantastic left-footed shot from well outside the box that flew into the top corner. After that, it looked likely that the home side could score again, although the Town managed to break away a couple of times through Morgan Harris and Steven McDonald, and Jack Darcy deserved a goal after a great solo effort. It was a relief, though, when the final whistle blew and the team’s 100% Shield record remained intact. Rivalries will be renewed in the near future, as the teams will twice meet again this season, in both the Shield and Joseph Blunt Cup finals.

Apr 22 Town close in on perfect ten
Town's U10A side, already having secured a place in this season's Shield Final, maintained their 100% winning run with a comfortable 3-1 win over a very hard working Newtown, at the Leisure Centre earlier tonight.  Playing with a strong wind behind them, the Town side struck up an early rhythm and had a lot of possession, with Mikey Quigley dominating the centre of midfield with plenty of long switches to wingers Conor Dodd and Liam Scales.  Despite having a lot of the ball, attackers Ross Hanley and Morgan Harris were finding little space in the visitors’ penalty area.  The team had missed a few good chances before Conor Dodd eventually drove an unstoppable shot to the bottom corner of the net.  The second half saw Newtown start well, with Cathal Kelleher forced to dive very smartly to his left to keep out a very well struck shot from Ryan Clarke.  With Neil Murphy going in to midfield, the Black and Whites regained control and good approach work was rewarded by a Ross Hanley finish after cool work by Steven Mc Donald in the box.  The best Arklow goal was saved for last, when Conor Dodd finished expertly from the corner of the box, directing a cross from the left, first-time, over the goalkeeper and into the far corner.  There was still work to do for defenders Jack Somers, Jack Darcy and Darragh Fitzgerald though, because Newtown never gave up.  Coach Lar Mahony wasn’t happy with the way it came about, but the visitors were rewarded for their excellent spirit with a goal from a corner kick, with five minutes to go. Final score 3-1.  Town may have taken their foot off the pedal towards the end of the game, but, overall, it was a good performance, with lots of good football played.

Apr 19 Win on the road tees up Town
Arklow Town U10D's travelled to Woodlands in Greystones earlier today to face the home side in a key WDSL U10 Division 3B Shield fixture and with Brandon Hogan netting the only goal of the game, they came home with all three precious points, firmly keeping their Shield ambitions on track.  An excellent performance by the side, with Nathan Wolohan once again showing top form in goal.  Conor Ahearne and Shauna Waddrin offered plenty of support to Town's midfield pairing of Amy Guilfoyle and Tommy New.  Indeed, New was highly unlucky not to score himself, seeing a cracking effort rebound off the Greystones crossbar.  Brandon Hogan scored the only goal of the game, direct from a corner kick, his in-swinging effort eluding the reach of the home keeper.  Alongside Hogan, Jack Donnelly and Ben Makin worked tirelessly while Pip Molloy and Patrick O'Brien posed a threat with each Arklow attack.  Added to that Ryan Neary worked very hard when coming on as a substitute and the three points won was a fine reward for a battling performance.

Apr 18 A team cruise to victory and secure a place in Shield Final
Fresh from Easter weekend wins against Dublin opposition, the U10A team were back to bread and butter Shield action against a very game Wicklow Rovers team at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Town started well and, right from the start, Rovers were pinned back into their half.  It took 15 minutes of sustained pressure, though, with the ball being switched quickly and often by central players Jack Somers and Mikey Quigley to wingers Conor Dodd and Liam Scales, before the visitors’ defence was breached.  Morgan Scales found some space in the penalty area, after Ross Hanley drew two defenders, and sharply drove the ball into the bottom corner of the net.  The second half followed the pattern of the first, with Town patiently building attacks in order to break down the packed defence. Because of an injury to Jack Darcy and with Stewart Mills and goalkeeper Cathal Kelleher away on holiday, Craig Fox from the U9A team was pressed into action as substitute and did a really great job in what was, for him, an unfamiliar position.  Stand-in goalkeeper Neil Murphy was limited to sweeping behind the defence and using his midfield skills to start moves from the back, although he had to save tidily from one well-struck shot after a rare Wicklow attack. Full backs Darragh Fitzgerald and Steven McDonald were active in overlapping attacks down the sides, giving an extra man in midfield, and it wasn’t too long into the half before Conor Dodd struck for the second. Rovers’ resistance weakened after the second goal went in and Town scored two more in quick succession, with the same two players netting again. There was some confusion about the scorer of a fifth goal, with Ross Hanley claiming a touch before a clever Conor Dodd chip over the goalkeeper crossed the goal line. The goal-line camera and virtual reality graphics proved that it was Ross’ goal, although Conor is still claiming the hat-trick!  A very, very good performance from the team again, maintaining their 100% Shield record and, mathematically (as they say on Match of the Day), guaranteeing a place in the Shield final.

Following on from the 10A's success over Wicklow Rovers, the U10C team welcomed St. Anthony's to the Leisure Centre.  A thoroughly entertaining game, with both sides highly competitive across the park.  Arguably, Town held the upper hand though chances in front of goal were at a premium.  Goalless at the interval both sides continued to probe for an advantage and Town were to rue a few missed opportunities, as the visitors sneaked ahead with a slightly fortuitious effort that eluded the home defence.  Credit though to Town who continued to play some nice football, trying hard to level matters.  Despite one-way traffic in the direction of the Kilcoole side's goal the away side always posed a threat on tbe break and from one such late break they earned a corner.  From the resultant set piece a ricochet off a desparately unlucky Town defender sealed Town's fate and though heads dropped they should focus on the application and performance they put in from start to finish.  An excellent performance that indeed yielded no Shield points but the team should all realise their ability to produce good football when fully applying themselves, as a team, to the task in hand.  Well played boys.

Apr 15 Steady progress continues for D's
Arklow Town U10D's continues their progress in this season's Shield competition with a share of the spoils on their short trip to St. Patrick's.  Having been knocked out of the cup by the same opposition the Town side were keen to improve on that showing.  That they most certainly did with a polished performance, arguably the best to date this season and they came away from tonight's game unlucky not to have secured all three points.  Nathan Wolohan, once again, put in a great performance in goals, his handling again superb when called upon.  Brandon Hogan put Town ahead in the eighth minute, firing an unstoppable volley into the roof of the net.  Hogan had an excellent game, working well alongside Amy Guilfoyle, Tommy New and Ben Makin in the midfield.  St. Patrick's levelled matters with just three minutes remaining, leaving the division wide open, with all to play for.

Apr 5 Town secure date in cup final
Successful in the three previous meetings of the sides this season, in both League and Shield competition, Arklow Town A duly overcame Ardmore Rovers A at Newtown earlier today to secure a place in next month's Joseph Blunt Cup final.  Even with the match scoreless at half time Arklow were by far the better side throughout and the pressure eventually told on the Bray side, when Town's Neil Murphy fired the Black and Whites ahead with a fine effort from the edge of Ardmore's area.  Town doubled their lead minutes later after an excellent move that cut open the opposition defence.  Murphy was again central, finding Jack Darcy in space.  Darcy swept the ball out to winger Liam Scales and the Arklow wide man whipped in a fierce cross that was superbly headed home by Ross Hanley.  Town put the result beyond Ardmore when Mikey Quigley fired home after a neat one-two.  Ross Hanley then curled a delightful effort into the top corner to leave the final score 4-0 in Town's favour.  Darragh Fitzgerald was Town's man of the match today, putting in a fantastic effort.

Mar 30 Unlucky Town push Rathnew all the way
With the clocks having gone forward just yesterday, Town were still mindful of the last time the two sides met, just a few week's back, at the Leisure Centre, where the Arklow side, by some distance, put on their worst ever performance! Throw into the mix having a mere eight players available due to absentees Town travelled to Rathnew more in hope than anything else.  Drafting in three players from the under nine ranks - Eoghan O'Neill, Eoin Cullen and Clive Keenan - Town opted for a 3-4-1 formation.  The Arklow side were unlucky to concede early on, having started brightly.  A clearance from captain Zach Kilbride ricocheted off a Rathnew player and despite the best efforts of Ciarán Winters their number five was in on goal to slot past keeper Eoghan O'Neill.  Town settled though and were soon very much on top, playing some good football, attacking on either wing.  Caleb Briggs-Wolohan slotted in a wonderful ball for Padraic O'Connor and the Arklow striker thought he had scored, only to be denied by a fine save from the Rathnew keeper.  Arklow kept pressing for an equaliser, with Eoin Cullen increasingly looking highly composed in Town's defence, enjoying a great performance.  After the break, it was Arklow who continued to push back the home side, though Rathnew always did pose a threat on the counter attack.  With Arklow piling on the pressure, they committed a cardinal error, from a throw in deep in Rathnew's half.  Thrown back towards an Arklow defender, a lively Rathnew midfielder was first to react and he set off for goal, slotting under Town's second half keeper, Eoin Kavanagh.  To make matters worse, Rathnew added a third straight from the restart, somewhat controversially.  A 3-0 scoreline looked incredibly harsh on Town, having applied so much effort.  However, they carried on and were rewarded with a goal, thanks to some fine midfield work from the excellent Cameron Walker who fed in Clive Keenan and Keenan was ice cool in firing past the home keeper:  a great goal.  Town then grabbed a second goal, with Keenan again highly involved, playing an intelligent ball out to Alex Tyrrell and Tyrrell drove straight at the Rathnew defence, easing past two defenders before driving past the keeper.  Rathnew looked shaken, as Town pressed for a third goal and they may have completed the comeback if not for the heroics of the Rathnew keeper, who was superb throughout the game.  The final whistle blew, and Town had been beaten 3-2, but they can take immense pride from the overall performance - as good as we have seen in this Shield campaign to date.  Our thanks to the U9 players who were brilliant on the evening and all involved with the U10C team wish them the very best for the upcoming WDSL cup semi final.

Mar 29 Derby weekend across the divisions
Derby games on the double today with the U10A's facing the U10B's; and the U10D's facing the U10E's.  In the Premier Division meeting of A's and B's, a bright opening for both sides, the deadlock broken after a Liam Scales corner found the head of Neil Murphy and he powered home from close range.  The B's almost levelled midway through the half, with Thomas Rowan denied a certain goal with an excellent block.  To compound matters, the A's broke downfield almost immediately and grabbed a second goal, through Conor Dodd, clinical as ever when given an opportunity to score.  An even game in the second half, the B's were given late hope when Peter Tyrrell headed home from a corner in the very last minute.

Similarly, the meeting of the D's and E's would see a late late goal.  The E team really put it up to the D team and in a very even match the D's were forced to dig deep in order to secure the win.  Patrick O'Brien netted for the D's and Josh Revilles levelled for the E team.  With the result in the balance and both sides giving it their all, up popped Pip:  Philip Molloy grabbing a very late winner for the D team to win the match for the D team.

Mar 26 Cup semi final draw made tonight
The draw was made earlier tonight at the monthly meeting of the WDSL clubs, in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow and much excitement and anticipation surrounded the semi final draw for this season's U10 Joseph Blunt Cup.  Premier Division League champions Arklow Town were drawn last out of the hat, assigned with a trip to an Ardmore Rovers A side already beaten in Shield competition this season - 4-0 the scoreline in Town's favour when the sides met earlier this month, in Ballywaltrim.  Greystones United A face St. Anthony's A in the other semi final and both games will be played on the weekend ending April 4/5.

Mar 21 Leaders escape with a share of the spoils
Table toppers Avonmore left the Leisure Centre earlier today delighted with a share of the spoils against Town's U10C side in their Division 1 Shield fixture.  Having blazed a trail since the start of the Shield campaign Avonmore would have been well fancied to pick up all three points, more so with Town's recent run of poor form and results placing the promoted Division 2 League winners at the foot of the table.  However, Town can take great credit from a strong second half performance that saw them place increasing pressure on the leaders and finish feeling as though the three points should have been theirs.  The home side began poorly, in line with recent outings.  A lack of movement across the middle of the park saw Avonmore break through and though keeper Eoin Kavanagh blocked well it was an Avonmore attacker who was first to react, pushing the ball home across the line, with Town's defence static.  In the second half however, Town were much improved and looking like the side they can be.  Alex Tyrrell fired home a great effort from wide right and this seemed to spur on the team to a more committed effort.  Dillon Mordaunt was lively on the right wing, linking well between defence and attack.  Mordaunt might have earned a penalty if he'd gone down in the box after a late tackle from behind that clipped the Town player, but he opted to remain on his feet and was unlucky with his effort on goal.  Town's keeper Eoin Kavanagh was punished after a poor kick out went straight to the dangerous Conor Byrne who didn't need a second thought before slotting home.  Kavanagh though made quick amends with a marvellous save from a close range header, somehow managing to tip the ball over the bar.  Arklow renewed their effort with both Ronan Arthur and Cameron Walker supplementing the attack and from one such move it was Tyrrell again to level matters, firing into an empty net from close range.  Town went closest to winning the tie late on with a few efforts on goal but a draw was a fair outcome for both sides.  Hopefully the performance, if not the result, will lead to the Arklow side re-finding their self-belief, sadly lacking on previous outings.

Mar 21 Rueful Town leave it too late
Arklow Town U10B's left Wicklow earlier today regretting not earning a share of the spoils against a good Wicklow Rovers A side.  The home side controlled the game from the off, with Town struggling to find a foothold in the game.  Wicklow's dominance led to a series of corner kicks, all dangerously whipped in but dealt well by Town's under pressure defence.  Two quick goals from Rovers before half time left Arklow with more than a mountain to climb and credit the team that they did indeed try to rescue the result with a much improved performance after the break.  With a number of tactical switches, Town began to take control and Tom Maher, playing out wide left, gave the visitors hope with seven minutes remaining when he received a Cal Kelly pass four yards out, controlled it well on his chest and with a flick to his right he unleashed a shot that hit the back of the Wicklow net.  Arklow penned Rovers back into their own box, with both Ros McBride and Thomas Rowan going close.  However, that second goal never came and Rovers were thankful to hear the final whistle, the result going 2-1 in their favour.

Mar 15 Town too strong for Newtown
Arklow Town U10B avenged their recent away defeat, at Newtown, with a good win over the same opponents earlier today at a sunny Leisure Centre.  Undoubtedly Town's best performance since winning the U10 Division 1 League title before Christmas, the move up into the Premier Shield division has seen the team, although well equipped to compete at this level, not quite having the self-belief needed.  Today, that changed, as the team looked back to its best, believing in their ability and playing like a complete team.  Arklow gained that vital first goal, with Thomas Rowan scoring directly from a corner kick in the 7th minute.  Town doubled that lead seven minutes later when Peter Tyrrell showed great awareness on the edge of the Newtown penalty area, shifting the ball onto his left side before unleashing a left foot volley beyond the reach of the visitor's keeper.  Newtown though harbour ambitions of reaching the Shield Final this season and fought their way back into the game, scoring in the fifth minute of the second half.  Town though did not buckle and continued to play some attractive football.  Tom Delahunt fired in an excellent cross for Cal Kelly to rise highest and head home.  However, a superb reflex save denied Kelly a wonderful goal but the ball fell nicely for the Arklow player to tap home from close range.  The keeper was again Newtown's saviour, denying Ros McBride after he connected well with a strike on goal.  Town though were not to be denied and it was again Delahunt who created the chance for Arklow's fourth goal, finding Calem Devereux and he pushed the ball past the advancing keeper before slotting home, to seal a fine win for the B team, with Cal Kelly deservedly the man of the match.

The U10A team, as expected, travelled to face Wolfe Tone A in a Joseph Blunt Cup quarter final clash at Temple Sportsfield, in Bray.  Completely dominating proceedings, Town won at a canter, with goals from Ross Hanley (2), Morgan Harris (2) and Mikey Quigley.

Disappointment though for the U10D team, in their Shane Hetherington Cup quarter final tie away at St. Patrick's, losing 4-0.  Amy Guilfoyle, Tommy New and keeper Nathan Wolohan were the pick of the Arklow side on the day, as focus now firmly switches to the Shield campaign.  Similarly, the U10E side lost out 3-0 on their travels at Roundwood.

Mar 7 Sublime Hanley strengthens Town grip at the top
A moment of pure magic from Arklow Town striker decided this exciting meeting of the top two sides in WDSL U10 Premier Division.  Previous meetings between Town and Greystones have proven to be tight encounters and this latest instalment proved no different.  The first half ended level with neither side able to unhinge strong defences.  Arklow's fitness and guile began to tell in the second half as they upped the tempo and mounted a number of excellent attacks down both flanks.  Liam Scales yet again proved to be a thorn in Greystones' side and from one such raid down the left wing he fired across a perfectly weighted ball for midfielder Mikey Quigley to run onto and smash home from just inside the Greystones box, giving Town a precious advantage.  The visitors searched hard for an equaliser but were continually frustrated as Town remained strong at the back and such was the pace of the game that they ran the risk every time they crossed the halfway line of being carved open by some exciting Town counter attacking football.  In the closing stages Town sealed the victory with the aforementioned Ross Hanley finish.  Before taking a ball down on his chest Hanley showed great awareness and vision, glancing to see the position of the away keeper.  The Arklow forward deftly kiled a ball stone dead and with a perfect touch he guided a lofted effort superbly over the keeper and into the 'Stones goal, his finish second to none.  Bravely, the visitors tried to gain a consolation goal but were hit on the break with Scales netting from a tight angle after cutting inside from the left flank.  Though Arklow finished comfortable 3-0 winners it is still quite likely that the two will come to face each other yet again at a later stage of the Shield competition.

Elsewhere, it was home defeats for both U10B and U10C sides, against Ardmore Rovers A and Rathnew respectively.  The C team have allowed their spirits to drop alarmingly over the past two games, resulting in the floodgates opening.  The team needs to quickly regain its work ethic, notably across the middle of the park if to ensure their season does not fall away badly.  The game itself against Rathnew was an eye opener for the manner in which the home side failed to compete in the opening half.  Simply not good enough from a team capable of much better.  Back to the training ground boys!

Mar 1 A's too strong for Ardmore
Arklow Town U10A's continued their impressive run with a dominant 4-0 win away at Ardmore Rovers A.  Though level at half time Town were proving too strong for the home side on an incredibly narrow pitch.  Goals in the second half from Conor Dodd, Neil Murphy, Morgan Harris and Ross Hanley confirmed Arklow's superiority.  Defeats though for Town's B and C sides - at Newtown and Wolfe Tone A respectively.  The B's took an early lead through Thomas Rowan but were unable to hold on.  The C's meanwhile started brightly against Wolfe Tone A, in Temple Sportsfield.  Facing the same opponents for a third successive game, the previous two encounters had both finished level.  This time though, Wolfe Tone were to firmly show the difference between the sides.  Eoin Kavanagh made a fine finger tip save, deflecting onto his right post but the rebound bounced over the line before being cleared.  Town then suffered a mad five minute spell, heads dropping as defensive lapses afforded the Bray side two sloppy goals.  If the team is to step up to this level then simple mistakes need to be eradicated from play.  Zach Kilbride, a collosus in defence the last time the two sides met was missing today and his presence was sorely missed.  Town briefly rallied in the second half but played without the normal spirit and the inevitable fourth goal came late on.  The U10D team though enjoyed a much better day, getting the better of Greystones United C in a league fixture at the Leisure Centre.  Having beaten the Woodlands side in the cup a fortnight back, confidence of a repeat was high and the overall team performance was epitomised by the great showing from match winner Jack Donnelly.  Though a team effort, and obviously so, it was Donnelly who made the telling difference with his first half strike enough to win the game for the D team.  In goal, Nathan Wolohan was again outstanding, with a number of saves.

Feb 22 Mixed weekend for Town sides
A mixed bag of results for Town's under 10 sides this weekend.  Town's U10A side strolled to a comfortable 6-0 win away at Wicklow Rovers A yesterday morning, another excellent performance from the team.  The B team were unlucky when losing to a good Greystones United A side when the two met last weekend in the Joseph Blunt Cup and today they gave another good account of themselves against the same opposition though going down 1-0 will be naturally disappointed.  All part of the learning curve when stepping up a division.  The U10D side were also beaten, 1-0 away at Roundwood.  A close contest, only decided late in the game with a defensive lapse allowing the home side to steal all three points.  The team continue to work hard and all played their part - none more so than Jack Donnelly, who was superb all game.  The U10E side lost out to St. Patrick's with Tom Hurley once again on the scoresheet in a 1-3 reverse.  No game this weekend for the U10C's.

Feb 15 Hogan's Stand sees D's secure magnificent cup win
No doubt about the result of the day, with Arklow Town U10D travelling to Greystones United C and coming home with a fine 1-0 win, thanks to a strike from Brandon Hogan, and advancing now to the quarter finals of the Shane Hetherington Cup.  Town were excellent defensively with Shauna Waldron and Conor Ahearne in fine form playing in front of Nathan Wolohan.  Tommy New ran himself into the ground, covering every blade of grass.  Equally, Amy Guilfoyle enjoyed a brilliant game before injury curtailed her involvement, being subjected to some heavy tackling.  The game's solitary strike came courtesy of midfielder Brandon Hogan who fired home from 25 yards out, a wonderful strike deservedly winning the tie.   The U10E side put in a fine performance away at St. Patrick's in the same cup competition but ended up on the wrong end of a harsh looking scoreline, 4-1 - with Tom Hurley once again on the scoresheet for Town.  In the Joseph Blunt Cup, the U10A side survived a stern examination from Newtown before advancing to the quarter final.  Twice behind, goals from Ross Hanley and a strike from Jack Darcy with four minutes remaining ensured extra time was played.

A clinical Ross Hanley strike early into the extra period of play proved decisive, allowing Town to somewhat luckily advance, to preserve their ambition of a league, cup and shield treble.  Disappointment for the U10B team with defeat at the hands of Greystones United A, at the Leisure Centre.  Peter Tyrrell scored Town's goal in a 2-1 defeat.

Feb 14 Sense of injustice as C's exit cup
Defeat at the hands of a strong Wolfe Tone A side at Temple Sportsfield earlier today was hard to take for a gallant U10C team who gave it their all in the first round of the Joseph Blunt Cup.  Despite missing some key players the Town side gave it their all against the Bray opposition.  Wolfe Tone started strongly and almost opened the scoring in the fifth minute when given a free kick on the edge of Town's area.  A fierce strike from the Wolfe Tone midfielder was destined for the back of the net but for a wonderful save from Arklow keeper Eoin Kavanagh.  Kavanagh made a succession of fine saves, his handling excellent and the three defenders in front of him put in a herculean effort, led by Zach Kilbride at the heart of defence who had a massive game. Town shook the home team when scoring from a corner in the ninth minute.  Alex Tyrrell whipped in a superb ball right to the far post and Padraic O'Connor was first to connect, nudging home from close range.

Town almost doubled their lead through Jack Moriarty though his effort on goal meandered tamely wide.  The home side levelled in the opening minute of the second half, a melee in the Arklow penalty area from an incoming corner seeing the ball miscued by a Town defender into his own net past a despairing Eoin Kavanagh.  Town rallied and we witnessed a cracking end to end cup clash.  The contest was decided late in the first half of extra time, with Wolfe Tone placing increasing pressure on Town's defence.  A foul on Town's excellent Kyle O'Connor went unpunished and even with the ball going out of play the attack continued and from the cross the ball skewered off a Town defender and crept inside the post, much to the dismay of a number of Town players.  At full time, their upset was obvious but they should take great heart from the overall team performance, giving them great encouragement for the remainder of the Shield campaign.  Notable performances on the day from the entire defence, with Zach Kilbride an obvious choice as man of the match despite notable contributions from Kyle O'Connor, Ronan Arthur and Eoin Kavanagh.

Feb 8 Greystones workout for A team
Arklow Town U10A availed of another blank weekend in the WDSL season to facilitate a 11-a-side friendly game at Greystones earlier today.  A good workout for both sides, the game itself finishing 2-2, with Town enjoying a greater precentage of possession throughout.  Ross Hanley opened the scoring for Town after some fine work from Conor Dodd.  With half time approaching the home side levelled after Darragh Fitzgerald was harshly judged to have handled in the area and Greystones scored from the penalty spot.  Against the general run of play the home side went ahead early into the second half, a great strike from a midfielder.  Ten minutes into the half, Town equalised, a clever goal from Conor Dodd, who scored when the sides met before Christmas at the Leisure Centre.  Ross Hanley was denied a winner for Town from the penalty spot, his kick superbly saved by the home keeper.  A good game, played in an excellent spirit, the Town's performance was built upon a very good defence, with the back line of Jack Darcy, Jack Somers, Darragh Fitzgerald and Stewart Mills all excellent on the day.

Jan 11 Mixed bag for Town sides
Arklow Town U10A's made a quick return to Newtown earlier today having faced today's opponents in league action only last month.  Again, Town eased to a comfortable 5-0 win in this their opening Shield Premier Division tie with goals coming from Morgan Harris, Ross Hanley, Neil Murphy (2) and Conor Dodd.  The U10B team faced Wicklow Rovers A in their opening Shield Premier Division fixture at a windy Leisure Centre and though falling two behind they showed great application to draw level, two goals apiece.  Town's goals were scored by Peter Tyrrell and Thomas Rowan from the penalty spot.  The U10C side travelled to Avonmore for their opening Division 1 clash against the Rathdrum side who began this season in the Premier Division.  Town's midfield were blown apart, unable to cope with the conditions and their opponents and though trailing 2-0 at half time having played into the galeforce wind never looked like threatening the home side.  In fact it was Avonmore in the second half who dominated and were it not for a superb man of the match performance from Town keeper Eoin Kavanagh may well have run riot, the Arklow keeper was solely responsible for no further goals in the second half.  The U10D team lost out to a good Aughrim side in blustery conditions with the home side coping better with the conditions.  Patrick O'Brien continued his comeback after injury with another goal and though beaten the team applied themselves well to a tough game.

The U10E side, though beaten again, this time by a Greystones United C side, continue to improve.  Tom Hurley, oncemore, found himself on the scoresheet, as Town, with the aid of some new players, began to show some passages of good football and self belief.  Hopefully with the new additions the team will go from strength to strength.

Jan 4 Strength in numbers for Ds
The second Division 3 league meeting of the season between Town U10D and U10E teams ended with a stronger D team winning 6-0, at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Town's U10E team were severely depleted number-wise and this eventually became a factor with the outcome of the game.  Both sides started positively and a good competitive battle for control in midfield was good to watch, with Tom Hurley displaying a nice range of skills and touches against the D's combative Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle.  The D team opened the scoring midway through the first half, a quick counter attack seeing Conor Ahearne clean through, his finish from close range a well taken opportunity.  The E team rallied, working hard to get back into the game and again it was Tom Hurley who went closest to levelling, after good work from both Conor Going and Keith Bentley, the latter stepping up from U8 level to ensure the E's started with 7 players.

Brandon Hogan struck a second goal before half time for the D team and that lead was further extended in the second half when Jack Donnelly, who worked tirelessly throughout, fired home from just inside the box.   Great defensive play from both Joseph Kingston and Gavin Bentley prevented the D's from increasing their lead but even they were unable to prevent Patrick O'Brien from adding a fourth goal for the D team, as tiredness began to tell on the E team.  Hogan and O'Brien added further late goals to seal the win for the D team.

Dec 21 Town stroll to Title success
The formbook suggested a home win for Arklow Town U10B’s as they welcomed lowly St. Fergal’s to the Leisure Centre, and with Thomas Rowan striking for the home side inside the first minute the result was never to be in doubt as the Arklow side safely secured the win needed to become WDSL U10 Division 1 champions.  Calem Devereux doubled Arklow’s lead in the fifth minute, striking from close range and when Ros McBride converted from the penalty spot in the tenth minute, the title was as good as won.  Cal Kelly, enjoying a typical hard working performance, added a fourth and Tom Maher was to fire home a fifth before half time.  Numerous changes at half time allowed Arklow to enjoy the second half, with keeper Gary Fennell deployed up front. Tom Delahunt netted twice in quick succession, reward for his effort on the day and two late goals from Joseph Cummiskey and Calem Devereux rounded off a perfect day for the Arklow side, who have completed their league campaign as the only undefeated team in the division.

The management team of Myles Rowan and Paul Maher - and the players - would like to sincerely thank Aaron Barry, Danny Ledwith and James Scallan for their greatly appreciated coaching of the boys over the league campaign.  Town’s title success completes a quite remarkable achievement for the club at under ten level this season as they have successfully guided three under ten sides to league titles, leaving historians to ponder whether any club in WDSL history has ever achieved such success across a specific age group before.

Town in action at the Leisure Centre, winning against St. Fergal's to become Division 1 Champions:

More images from the league title winning game at home against St. Fergal's can be found in the Photo Gallery section.  Click here to view a gallery of images from Arklow Town U10B's success over St. Fergal's.

Dec 21 Mixed fortunes for A's and D's
Arklow Town U10A's ended their Premier Division league campaign on a winning note, putting on an excellent display in Newtown while romping to a 6-1 victory.   The Town side have been superb over the course of the league campaign and finish undefeated, winning nine of the ten games played.  No doubt though that manager Lar Mahony will dwell on the one drawn game, played away at Wicklow Rovers, where a fighting performance from the home side denied Town.  Goals on the day, against Newtown, were scored by Neil Murphy, Ross Hanley 2, Liam Scales, Morgan Harris and Conor Dodd.  Meanwhile, great news for the U10D team with the return from injury of key player Patrick O'Brien.  Patrick's presence has been sorely missed by all his team mates so it was great to see him line up in the away fixture at Enniskerry today.  Indeed Patrick scored Town's second goal, a cracking drive - a deserving reward for his industry on the day.  Brandon Hogan netted his first goal of the season too, beating two players and then shooting low and hard into the net.  Town worked hard against a good Enniskerry side but the home side's greater strength told on the day.  Nathan Wolohan once again had a stormer in goals while Shauna Waddrin and Conor Ahearne defended resolutely.  Both Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle worked their socks off while Philip Molloy and Brandon Hogan showed great improvement from last week's effort.  Jack Donnelly came into his own when switching from his normal role up front, to play full back while Ryan Neary's effort up front could not be faulted.

Dec 14 E's so close to first win of the season
4-0 down, at home to St. Patrick's, with half time still to come, few could have predicted the force of comeback from the new U10E team.  Tom Hurley was on the mark not once but twice - Town's first goals of the season - to half the deficit before half time and when the excellent Sean Saunders added a third Town goal the belief was there for all to see with the team, that a comeback could be secured.  Unfortunately for Town, continual pressure in search of an equaliser failed to yield the required goal and with minutes remaining the visitors broke downfield and added a fifth goal.  Still, a lot of positives, with good performances also from Joseph Kingston and Gavin Bentley.  Well done boys!  The U10D team lost out to Glencormac at the Leisure Centre, with Tommy New in midfield not deserving to be on a losing side, putting in a great shift for the Town side.  Amy Guilfoyle was another who put in a great effort, as did Nathan Wolohan in goals.

Not their greatest performance so far this season and the players know they can and must improve, with the Shield upcoming in the New Year.  Good news though coming with the imminent return of Patrick O'Brien after a spell sidelined through injury.  Elsewhere, in Bray, a very under strength U10C side, freshly crowned as WDSL U10 Division 2 champions, travelled to fulfil their last fixture at Ardmore Rovers.  Having claimed the title a week previously, the players were all tried in different positions.  Truth must be told, some players simply switched off while others, as has been the case all season, applied themselves to the game, despite it holding little significance.  A sloppy performance yielded the result it deserved, with Town coming to life for a brief period before half time and then midway in the second half.  If Town are to continue their improvement as a team then they cannot simply choose when and when not to switch on or off.  You're only as good as your last game boys!

Dec 7 Clinical Dodd volley lifts Town to Title
A clash of the under ten titans at Arklow’s Leisure Centre on Sunday as Arklow Town A welcomed Greystones United A, in a key WDSL U10 Premier League fixture, with the home side knowing three points would be good enough to secure the league title.  A freezing cold morning at the seaside venue, Town began in red-hot form, putting Greystones on the back foot with waves of attacking play.  Neil Murphy and Morgan Harris were very industrious in the Arklow engine room dictating the flow of the game.  Some excellent work up the right flank, initially a pass from defender Darragh Fitzgerald, saw Conor Dodd in space and heading for the opposition area.  Cutting inside he squared a pass to Ross Hanley but Hanley’s effort was well marshalled by the ‘Stones keeper.  Town gained the upper hand with a terrific strike in the ninth minute.  Liam Scales, working the left flank, cut inside his marker and Conor Dodd sweetly met his cross from the edge of the box on the volley to smash it high into the Greystones net.

Town kept up the pressure in the early stages of the second half but a second goal just wouldn’t come, a number of chances spurned.  Greystones, disciplined throughout, sensed a route back into the match and were it not for the battling qualities of both Neil Murphy and Mikey Quigley they may well have snatched a leveller.  The Town duo defended heroically as Greystones pushed forward.  Lady luck shone on the Arklow side in the closing minutes as Greystones almost found a way through but with Town keeper Cathal Kelleher cutting down the angle, the Greystones attacker sliced his effort wide and with that chance spurned the league title was won by the Arklow side.

Dec 6 Five star Town lift title in style
Saving their best performance till now, Arklow Town U10C’s duly lifted the WDSL U10 Division 2 league title after a stunning display against Ardmore earlier today at the Leisure Centre.  Having fluffed their lines last weekend, Town were keen on ensuring the title was won today and opened strongly, putting opponents Ardmore under increasing pressure right from the first whistle.  Cameron Walker, Town’s captain, opened the scoring in the ninth minute after great work from fellow midfielder Alex Tyrrell put Walker clean through.  Padraic O’Connor almost put Town two ahead in the 18th minute, his effort going narrowly wide of the far post with Ardmore keeper Jimmy Mason beaten.  Town’s defence was holding any threat from Ardmore at bay, with both Dillon Mordaunt and Ciarán Winters in exceptional form in the full back positions.

Gerard Kavanagh went close a minute later but Town were not to be denied with the half time whistle imminent as Alex Tyrrell netted, giving Town a vital two-goal lead at the break.  Half time substitute Michael O’Sullivan scored his first ever goal for the Arklow side early in the second half, firing home from close range despite the best efforts of Ardmore’s Sinead Horgan.  Fellow sub Caleb Briggs-Wolohan, replacing O’Connor at half time, picked up the baton and ran tirelessly down the right flank creating a number of openings.  Ronan Arthur, who led the frontline superbly, almost netted from one Briggs-Wolohan cross but his effort on goal was magnificently blocked by Sean Hannon in the Bray side’s defence.  Midway through the half Zach Kilbride, winning possession out wide left, found Alex Tyrrell in space and Tyrrell secured the title for Arklow with a fine individual effort, straight through Ardmore’s midfield and firing from the edge of the box.  Ronan Arthur netted the goal his workrate thoroughly deserved with five minutes remaining, getting on the end of a Cameron Walker drive across the Ardmore six yard box.  Ardmore threatened a late consolation with a driven effort from Padraic McDonald but Town keeper Eoin Kavanagh superbly tipped his shot away for a corner, to round off an excellent team performance from the Black and Whites.

Nov 29 C team freeze on the big stage
Well, almost literally!  Billed as a game where the U10C team, needing just two points from their last three fixtures to secure the WDSL U10 Division 2 league title, could - or perhaps, would - gain the necessary points by simply turning up, fulfilling a fixture and walking away with the points, and the league title.  If only it was as easy as that!  In truth, on a pitch initially more favourable to training huskies for the next Winter Olympics, Arklow started very flatly, with little zest.  A cynic on the sideline muttered something about the Late Late Show Toy Show the previous evening, and Town looked about as lively and as inventive as Pat Kenny on a good day.  Ominous.  Indeed, Wicklow took the lead, needing a win themselves if to retain any lingering hope of the title themselves, a fortuitous effort that looped over Arklow keeper Eoin Kavanagh, caught a yard too far off his line.

Trailing 1-0 at half time, Town made changes and with Padraic O'Connor looking lively on the right flank hope was renewed for a better effort second half.  Town pressed forward but on too many occasions were guilty of overplaying the ball or taking a wrong option.  To add insult to injury, Rovers broke downfield on a counter attack and scored an absolutely fabulous goal, an unstoppable rocket from the edge of the area.  Town responded by creating numerous openings but the final ball continued to elude or frustrate.  With eight minutes remaining, Ronan Arthur, who was industrious throughout, played in Padraic O'Connor, who finished well from close range.  The remaining minutes saw Town camp in and around the Wicklow area but truth be told, despite their possession, the performance yielded precisely what they deserved.  No excuses.

Town face Ardmore Rovers at home next weekend, their second last fixture in the league campaign knowing that a win in that game will see the title secured.  Much work to be done over the next week in training if to realise that ambition.  Meanwhile, up in Wicklow at the same time, Arklow Town's U10A side (pictured in action, left) were facing Wicklow's equivalent in a key U10 Premier Division fixture.  Town failed to reach the heights of previous outings and on the back of a poorish performance honours remained even, both sides settling for a 1-1 draw with Ross Hanley Arklow's scorer.  This result sets up the U10A team for a potential title decider next weekend, when Town play host to Greystones United, currently lying second in the U10 Premier Division.

Nov 23 Town one win away from lifting title
Arguably their best team performance to date this season, Arklow Town U10C's went to Wicklow Rovers earlier today for a potential league decider against their previously unbeaten at home hosts.  Weather conditions were extremely harsh, a galeforce wind helping neither side at the venue located above Wicklow town.  The home side won the toss and opted to play with the wind behind them but it was Arklow who appeared to be coping best with the tricky conditions.  Padraic O'Connor, captain on the day, played like a man possessed in the opening half, winning so much ball and more than playing his part in anything creative from Town. Some excellent work on the left wing saw Alex Tyrrell cut through the home side's back line and his shot on goal was pushed over the line by Ronan Arthur who was perfectly placed.  Wicklow equalised with half time approaching, a cruel deflection on a shot from distance eluded Town's keeper Eoin Kavanagh and ended up in the back of the net.

After the half time changes, Town now with the wind behind them pressured the home side and were unlucky not to regain the lead on a number of occasions - notably a double effort from both Zach Kilbride and Padraic O'Connor that hit the post, rolled along the goalline and eventually cleared.  Jack Moriarty, operating out on the left, inched Town ahead with an excellent strike from close range and Arklow joy was furthened with Alex Tyrrell scoring directly from a corner kick - although some reckon Cameron Walker may have got a nick to it!  Wicklow rallied late on and their number 8 saw a great effort superbly kept out by the alert Eoin Kavanagh in the Arklow goal.  Unfortunately, their number 10 was first to react, and despite the best efforts of Ciarán Winters and Michael O'Sullivan, the Wicklow forward netted, to give the home side hope in the closing minutes.  However, Arklow held firm, deservedly winning this key fixture that now sees the team only one win away from winning a league title.

Back at base, over at the Leisure Centre, the U10B team entertained Wolfe Tone A in a key Division 1 fixture.  Having already beaten Wolfe Tone in Bray earlier this season (6-1), one might have expected the Bray side to roll over in today's game.  Not so, as Wolfe Tone A have played themselves back into contention for league honours and were only four points behind Town going into today's game.  In testing conditions, the sides remained scoreless at half time and indeed it looked as though it would remain so.  However, with five minutes remaining, the Bray side struck what they thought was the winning goal.  Arklow though levelled straight from the restart, the Town side winning a corner kick, taken by Peter Tyrrell, and it was headed home by Tom Maher, much to the joy of the Arklow support.  Arklow tried hard for a winner but it was not to be and with St. Anthony's winning yesterday against Rathnew it now leaves Town one solitary point ahead of the Kilcoole side with two games remaining.

Nov 22 Town's perfect start continues
Arklow Town U10A's kept on course their challenge for the WDSL U10 Premier Division title with a comfortable 8-2 win over Ardmore Rovers A at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Liam Scales opened the scoring for Town in the third minute, a great individual effort.  The Bray side levelled, somewhat against the overall run of play, but this equaliser only served to ensure the home side upped their game and they never looked back.  Scales went on to score a hat trick but it was midfielders Neil Murphy and Mikey Quigley who ran the show, both putting in great performances and also netting.  Jack Somers and Darragh Fitzgerald were a rock at the back, ably supported by Stewart Mills and Jack Darcy.  Cathal Kelleher was reliable when called upon, between the sticks for Town.  Morgan Harris, operating in midfield, enjoyed a fine game as did both Ross Hanley and Stephen McDonald, the duo playing upfront.  Conor Dodd capped a fine performance with a superb goal late in the game, as Town ran out easy 8-2 winners.

Nov 16 C team moves clear at the top
Hopefully, from an Arklow Town perspective, a big weekend in WDSL Division 2, with the three way tie at the top of the table at the start of play on the day ending with Town two points clear, with a game in hand, after a humdinger of a game at Greystones United earlier today.  Town felt slightly mugged when facing today's opponents last time out, having conceded an equaliser right at the death, in a 2-2 draw at the Leisure Centre, and were determined to ensure that 'Stones, lying in fourth but only one point behind Town in the table, would not leapfrog the team.  However, despite enjoying the opening exchanges it was Greystones who took advantage of a defensive slip to open the scoring.  Arklow rallied and hit the bar and post in relatively quick succession, leading many to think it was going to be one of those days when the ball goes anywhere and everywhere but in!

One superb Alex Tyrrell effort from the edge of the box was arguably hit too well, too cleanly, as it smashed off the bar and away.  Within seconds, probably an early key moment in the game, as Greystones countered, the Town defence again awol, an excellent save from Town keeper Eoin Kavanagh denied the home side the opportunity to go two up.  Two minutes later, Padraic O'Connor deservedly levelled for Arklow and the score remained so at half time.  Feeling they should have been ahead in the game, Town started the second half brightly, but as has been the case on numerous occasions this season, they switched off, failed to defend at key moments and were punished accordingly - 2-1 to the home side.  Again, Arklow rallied and Alex Tyrrell scored an excellent goal, a driving run and finish.  Oncemore Arklow nodded off and allowed Greystones midway through the half to again sneak ahead - careless play, thoughtless play being punished the way it should be.  Learn your lessons the hard way!  3-2 to 'Stones, with no more than five minutes to go, Town were staring defeat in the face.  However, the team deserve great credit for continually pushing forward, on either flank and the pressure told.  Good play from Jack Moriarty on the left wing allowed Cameron Walker to play in Padraic O'Connor for his second and Town's third equaliser.  Moments later, Alex Tyrrell won a free kick out on the right wing and from his powerfully whipped in cross Dillon Mordaunt rose highest to power home a cracking header, Town taking the lead for the first time.  In the closing seconds, Padraic O'Connor, enjoying his best game of the season so far, rounded off a great day by poking in his third and Town's fifth, to put the team back on top of the division and with a game in hand on closest rivals, Wicklow Rovers.  A game that ebbed and flowed but ultimately a deserved three points.  Well done boys!

Nov 16 Town strengthen pole positions
Arklow Town's U10 A and U10B sides both recorded emphatic victories to keep their league title ambitions firmly on track.  The U10A team strolled to a comfortable 6-0 win over visitors Newtown, an all round fine team performance, everyone playing their part.  Goals coming from Liam Scales, Ross Hanley (2), Morgan Harris, Conor Dodd and Stewart Mills.  The U10B team travelled to Bray to face bottom placed St. Fergal's, and as expected, returned home with the points after an 8-0 win ensured they remain clearat the top, ahead of St. Anthony's.  A day to remember for Tom Maher, netting three times, with other goals coming from Thomas Rowan (2), Jake Byrne, Cullan Walsh and Calum Devereux.  Meanwhile, both U10D and U10E suffered 2-0 reverses at the Leisure Centre, against Enniskerry B and St. Patrick's respectively.  The U10D side were seriously under strength on the day, and were forced to call up a few players from the under nine ranks.  Enniskerry secured their 2-0 win with a late strike, as Town pushed for an equaliser.  However, a cracking effort from all concerned, with Nathan Wolohan again enjoying a very fine performance in goal.  Both Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle were strong throughout and in midfield Brandon Hogan and Pip Molloy kept Town in the game, while up front Jack Donnelly and Ryan Neary never stopped trying.  The U10E team welcomed St. Patrick's to the Leisure Centre and though again short in numbers they gave their all - with excellent performances from Tom Hurley and Sean Saunders.  Though a little hard done by with the 2-0 reverse Town worked very hard, none more so than keeper Gavin Bentley, who was excellent for the entire game, making a number of excellent saves.

Nov 1 Town denied win with late late 'Stones strike
A case of what might have been for Town's U10C side, as they let slip a precious three points, held by a determined Greystones United B side in an entertaining game at the Leisure Centre.  Town opened brightly though openings in front of goal were at a premium.  An excellent move down Arklow's left flank, started by full back Kyle O'Connor, saw Alex Tyrrell open the scoring, sliding a pass from Ronan Arthur under the 'Stones keeper at the near post.  The home side continued to enjoy most possession though the visitors were always a threat on the counter attack and it was from one such attack that they levelled with half time approaching.  Town regained the initiative in the second half with substitute Caleb Briggs-Wolohan having an inspired time out wide left.

Cameron Walker was pretty central to all the home side's good play and it was fitting that he restored Town's lead with a great strike on the volley from an excellent Alex Tyrrell corner kick.  Town pushed for a third goal, some intelligent play along both wings from Dillon Mordaunt and Caleb Briggs-Wolohan, but a killer third goal just wouldn't come.  Late in the game, an excellent double save from Town's keeper Eoin Kavanagh and defender Kyle O'Connor looked to have secured the three points for the home team.  However, a very late twist in the script saw Town's defence switching off and the away side capitalised to ensure honours remained even.  Despite a good overall team performance lessons need to be learnt with some players neglecting their defensive duties when opponents have the ball.  Today, such lapses proved costly.  Earlier, the U10A's made it five wins from five to strengthen their position atop the U10 Premier Division.  Avonmore, Town's opponents, were quite simply dismantled with the final scoreline reading 12-1 in Arklow's favour.  Goals on the day coming from Neil Murphy 4, Liam Scales 2, Cathal Kelleher, Ross Hanley 2, Stephen McDonald, Conor Dodd and Darragh Fitzgerald.

Oct 19 Deadly Donnelly decides derby
The eagerly awaited "club derby" between the U10D and U10E sides lived up to its billing earlier today and though the U10D side prevailed, winning 1-0 thanks to a shot smashed home from close range by Jack Donnelly, it was a case of satisfaction all 'round, as both Ds and Es took nothing but positives from the match.  Firstly, the E team are beginning now to come together and are showing definite signs after a testing opening to the season.  Keep it going, lads!  The D team can be highly satisfied with the win, as it was built upon a fine work ethic with all the players contributing to the overall performance.  Nathan Wolohan once again had a fine game between the posts, ably supported by the two full backs, John Rose and Shauna Waldron.  Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle were outstanding in central positions while the tireless work in the middle of the park from both Brandon Hogan and Conor Ahearne ensured the Ds enjoyed most of the possession.

With twelve corners in the first fifteen minutes the frontline of Niall Kinsella, Jack Donnelly and Ryan Neary all went close with chances.  The game was settled though, with Jack Donnelly first to react to a loose ball and he didn't need asking twice before smashing home the winning goal.  Although a fine team performance with so many giving their all again this week Amy Guilfoyle stood out with a man of the match performance.  Meanwhile, in the Premier Division, business as usual for the U10A side, who clinically disposed of the challenge from Ardmore Rovers, the game being played at Ardmore's Ballywaltrim home.  A comfortable 4-1 win, with goals from Ross Hanley, Liam Scales, Stewart Mills and Steven McDonald, ensured Town remain in control on top of the Premier Division.

Oct 18 Lethargic Town have an off day
Arklow Town U10C side, with aspirations of hitting top spot in WDSL Division 2 this weekend, came a cropper at home to a determined Wolfe Tone B side at the Leisure Centre today.  The Bray side enjoy playing in Arklow, with a win and a draw from the two games played last season, and were in need of a win today if to push on themselves in the division.  It was the Bray side who showed the greater urgency throughout and though their opening goal was fortuitous it was deserved.  Arklow, lacking in many departments, were quite simply off the pace.  The second half saw a marginal improvement, Town assisted with a strengthening breeze.  Far too many loose balls were played, a lack of intelligent play frustrating both players and sideline!  Ronan Arthur went closest with an excellent shot, superbly saved by the Wolfe Tone keeper.  Jack Moriarty fired just over the bar, from close range, and you felt it was going to be 'one of those days'.  Cameron Walker too saw a well drilled free kick hit a wall of bodies, as Town pushed for a leveller.  Minutes from the end, a breakaway counter attack saw Wolfe Tone deservedly securing the points, with Town stretched at the back.  Team-wise, a very poor performance, probably as poor a collective performance seen thus far from, in general, a good bunch of lads.  However, there were some fine individual performances on an otherwise disappointing day - Kyle O'Connor goes from strength to strength at left back; in front of him Caleb Briggs-Wolohan was lively and Ciaran Winters, a half time substitute, was always keen to get involved, trying to get the team back into contention.  After opening with three successive wins, a heavy thump today, and a reminder to the players that there's an awful lot of work ahead on and off the pitch if they're to even consider being involved at the business end of the season.  Meanwhile, better news of the U10B side who won impressively away at Rathnew, all but extinguishing the home side's faint chances of league success with a 4-1 win on the road.  Cal Kelly, enjoying a rich vein in front of goal placed Town ahead with a headed effort from close range.  Tom Delahunt and two from Ros McBride completed the Town scoring, to further strengthen their grip on top spot.

Oct 12 Stalemate at the Leisure Centre
A game they so easily could have won ended up potentially a game they could easily have lost, as Arklow Town U10B and St. Anthony's A played out an enjoyable 1-1 draw at the Leisure Centre.  Town started slowly but gradually got on top, converting a corner kick after some quick thinking from Thomas Rowan allowed the sprightly Cal Kelly to react first to a cross at the near post.  Though never quite getting into their stride the Town side looked likelier to score and a number of chances were spurned.  Credit though the opposition who continued to play their way back into the game and they were rewarded with a penalty midway through the second half, duly converted.  Late in the game, both sides will have regrets over chances to win missed - a brave run out from his area with the St. Anthony's attack clean through saw keeper Gary Fennell denying the visitors while Cullan Walsh agonisingly saw his effort sail over the bar.

The U10D side trekked to Roundwood and though losing 2-1 there was room aplenty for positive thoughts after another improved team performance.  Nathan Wolohan was once again excellent between the sticks, with both Tommy New and Amy Guilfoyle in fine form at the heart of the defence.  The midfield of Philip Molloy, Brandon Hogan and Conor Ahearne worked tirelessly; as did Jack Donnelly up front.  Second half substitutes Niall Kinsella and Ryan Neary added to the team effort and it was Neary who fired home for Town, his first goal in Town colours.  Arklow's commitment could have indeed been further rewarded but Brandon Hogan was unlucky from the penalty spot.

Meanwhile, back at the Leisure Centre, the U10E side faced a Glencormac side that won Division 3B last season at U9 level.  With only eight players to call upon it was always going to be a huge ask of the boys and indeed a full strength Glencormac side raced into a seven goal half time lead.  However, the second half proved to be an entirely different game as the Arklow side began to play with some fire in their bellies - matching their opponents across the pitch and with solid performances from Sean Saunders, Tom Hurley and Joseph Kingston there's plenty upon which to build.  Onwards and upwards!



 

Oct 11 Scales weighs in Town's favour
It proved quite fitting on the day that the winning goal should be scored by Arklow's immensely impressive Liam Scales, after a lengthy run saw him skip past a number of Wicklow Rovers defenders and with coolness personified he slotted home.  A marked improvement in the coaching of the side, very much evident today, Town had started brightly, forcing the game to be played in and around the Rovers penalty area.  A succession of corners failed to bring Arklow an opening and a Mikey Quigley effort rebounding off the crossbar was as close as they came in the opening period.  In fact, it was Rovers who had the best chance to open the scoring, a swift break upfield split the Arklow defence and only a fine save from Town's keeper Cathal Kelleher denied Rovers the lead.  Liam Scales, operating mainly down Town's left wing, continually drove at the Rovers back line, a constant threat.  From one such move, Scales finally gave the Arklow side a merited lead, finishing with aplomb after a great run down the left wing and cutting inside to fire home.  Town then hit the bar, an effort from close range by Ross Hanley somehow coming back off the bar and away from danger.  Try as they might, Rovers couldn't quite gain parity and Town secured the three points.

Oct 11 First half flurry secures derby win for C team
A wholly different game six days on from when the sides last met, as Arklow Town's U10C side welcomed local rivals Arklow United to the Leisure Centre.  Town's fortune last week ensured United would be keen to attain something for their efforts this week but right from the off it was Town who set the tone for the game.  Using both flanks to good effect Town pressed for an opening, with Cameron Walker heavily involved.  Kyle O'Connor, who didn't put a foot wrong all game, enjoyed a fruitful understanding on Town's left wing with the industrious Ciarán Winters and from one such move a ball was played into front man Zach Kilbride, who turned superbly to fire home the opening goal of the game.  Minutes later, Kilbride added a second, a close range effort and Town began to dominate.

A third goal, again from Zach Kilbride, afforded the home team a three goal advantage at half time.  Second half substitutes Alex Tyrrell and Caleb Briggs-Wolohan added further goals, with Caleb's in particular, a superbly taken effort from the right edge of United's penalty area.  A late consolation goal for United after Town's defence had switched off served only to remind the team that concentration should last from first to last minute!  In summary, a vastly improved performance on last week's outing, with plenty of potential still to be hopefully realised, as Town ran out comfortable winners on a 5-1 scoreline.

Oct 5 Walker strikes get Town out of jail in derby win
A clinical finish, as good a strike as he has ever hit, proved the difference between the sides at Ferndale Park earlier today, as Town went to league leaders Arklow United for a keenly anticipated clash.  United have started the season impressively, winning three and drawing one in their opening four games.  Town on the other hand had only played one game to date so were facing an obviously buoyant United team on their own turf.  The day started with an immaculately observed minute's silence for the FAI's Noel O'Reilly who passed away during the week.  United, by far, were the better team in the opening half.  Town, sluggish, unable or seemingly unwilling to play any intelligent football were reduced to aimless hitting and hoping, the crossbar coming to their aid twice as United threatened to sew up the game in the opening twenty minutes.

They deservedly took the lead and looked likely to add a second until Cameron Walker swivelled on a sixpence and smashed home a very unlikely equaliser with half time approaching.  Town, somehow, went into the break level.  A few words were said at half time, and Town upped it a little, coming more into the game.  A game of end to end football followed with neither side on top.  The deadlock was broken with a swift move out on Town's right wing.  A cracking through ball from Walker split the home defence and Jack Moriarty planted the ball in the back of the net, to give Town an unlikely lead.  That, however, did not last long, a defensive error gave the ball away and Eoin Kavanagh was left stranded in Town's goal helpless to the soft goal conceded.  What little good work Town had achieved in the second half had seemingly been undone.  Or so we thought.  Enter Cameron Walker oncemore with the goal of the game and an absolute belter of a shot, to break the home team's resolve.  United still had time though for one last effort on Town's goal and yet again the Town side were guilty of ball watching as the home attack put the ball inches wide, leaving Town to escape Ferndale Park with a fortuitous three points.

Oct 5 D team see good times ahead while B's record four from four
A very impressive away win for Town's U10B team in Finn Park earlier today as a good St. Anthony's side became the latest team to fall at the feet of an increasingly confident Town side.  An excellent performance throughout the side, the goals today came from Peter Tyrrell and Jake Byrne, ensuring the points went Town's way.  The U10D side, entertaining St. Patrick's at the Leisure Centre, went down 2-0 but the performance was encouraging with all players playing their part.  Their general play throughout the game was a lot better than in previous outings and with new recruit Nathan Wolohan playing an absolute stormer in goals, his contribution seemed to spark the players into a more focused effort.  A great debut for the young boy!  Everyone associated with the U10D team wishes Patrick O'Brien the speediest of recoveries after breaking bones in his foot.  Break it like Beckham?  We hope to see Paddy back soon!

Sep 28 Three from three for Bs
Town's U10B side  maintained their impressive beginning to WDSL Division 1 with a convincing 3-0 win over visitors Rathnew, at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Having won their opening two fixtures, Town were keen to make it three from three, and thereby set themselves firmly in the early driving seat for league honours this season.  Cal Kelly and Tom Maher were both on target for the third game running.  Ros McBride added the third goal but it was the commitment from the team and the application that pleased managers Myles Rowan and Paul Maher the most.  Heavy defeats on the road for our U10D and U10E sides respectively.  The U10D side ended up well beaten away at Glencormac but can take solace in the effort they put in.  Travelling with just nine available players, climbing the Sugarloaf may have proven an easier task than tackling a rapidly improving Glencormac side!  Arklow were competitive for the opening period, well in contention until injuries ensured the job in hand became mission impossible!  Down to eight players, try as they did, they could not contain the home side's attacking prowess.  The U10E side, still in their infancy together as a team, travelled to Greystones and though heavily beaten the shoots of something positive are emerging.  Rome was never built in a day and the same applies to the U10E side!

Sep 27 Town hang on for the points
Arklow Town U10C’s opened their WDSL U10 Division 2 campaign with an impressive win on Saturday away at Wolfe Tone.  Due to three postponements the Town side had yet to kick a ball this season and faced a stern challenge with the trip to Bray.  Arklow opened very brightly with the defensive trio of Michael O’Sullivan, Gerard Kavanagh (captain) and Kyle O’Connor refusing to afford the home side any chances in front of goal.  The midfield axis of Alex Tyrrell and Cameron Walker was ably assisted by the lively Padraic O’Connor, on the left flank, and Caleb Briggs-Wolohan, as bubbly as ever on the right wing.  After spurning a number of chances Alex Tyrrell fired Arklow Town into a lead midway through the half, a fine strike from the edge of the Wolfe Tone penalty area.  Padraic O’Connor doubled Town’s lead moments later with a well taken finish from close range and when Ronan Arthur, slotting home from within the six yard box, added a third the result appeared beyond the home side.

However, Oisín McLoughlin powered home a fantastic header from a corner kick early into the second half to give the home side renewed hope.  The Arklow side lost their shape and the home team took advantage with a second goal reducing Town’s lead even further.  Wolfe Tone pushed hard for the equaliser and were only denied late on with an excellent block from Town keeper Eoin Kavanagh.

Sep 21 Big wins for As and Bs, defeat for Ds and no game again for Cs
Frustration and a degree of satisfaction first for Town's U10D team who put on an improved performance against Aughrim, at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Though losing 3-0 to the visitors the side showed greater desire and who knows, with a little "lady luck" in front of goal may have gained some sort of reward their play deserved.  Amy Guilfoyle was excellent between the sticks and the defence in front of her gave it their all, with Tommy New industrious and involved in all good passages of play from Town.  Immense disappointment for the C team, still yet to kick a ball as their rivals in Division 2 play their third games.  The side turned up at Woodlands in Greystones eager to face 'Stones' B team but the non-appearance of the home side ensured yet another weekend of no football.  More positively, both As and Bs recorded big wins.  The As went to Avondale and fired home eleven goals unanswered.  Tom Maher nabbed a hat-trick for the B team in a fine display away at Wolfe Tone.  Tom Delahunt continued his fine form from last week getting in on the scoring act with two goals himself.  Cal Kelly, another on last week's scoresheet added a third, a second win from two opening games giving the B side plenty of confidence for the league campaign.  More positively, both As and Bs recorded big wins.  The As went to Avondale and fired home eleven goals unanswered.  Tom Maher nabbed a hat-trick for the B team in a fine display away at Wolfe Tone.  Tom Delahunt continued his fine form from last week getting in on the scoring act with two goals himself.  Cal Kelly, another on last week's scoresheet added a third, a second win from two opening games giving the B side plenty of confidence for the league campaign.

Sep 14 Steady B's topple Enniskerry
A very competitive opening fixture to the weather delayed WDSL U11 Division 1 season saw Arklow Town B welcoming Enniskerry A in a highly entertaining encounter at Arklow’s Leisure Centre earlier today.  Arklow began brightly, pushing Enniskerry onto the back foot but with an excellent keeper and strong defence Arklow were unable to find a path through and were forced to try from distance.  Calem Devereux showed his intent when firing a shot that cannoned off the crossbar and away from goal.  The energetic Thomas Maher, on the right flank, went close to opening the scoring with an effort midway through the first half.  Peter Tyrrell also went close for the home side.  Enniskerry threatened on occasion with counter attacking play but with Cullan Walsh and Tom Delahunt in no mood to concede ground it was mainly Town working in and around the Enniskerry penalty area for an opening.  The breakthrough, somewhat fortunate, eventually came when the previously excellent Enniskerry keeper couldn’t quite hold on to a Calem Devereux header and the ball slipped through his hands and nestled in the back of the net.  With the away side having to open up and chase the game, Town found openings and chances increasing.  Cal Kelly, solid throughout, fired home the insurance goal for Arklow late on, to seal a deserved win for the home side.  Meanwhile, the U10D team and U10E teams both experienced tough opening fixtures, both on their travels.  The U10D team travelled to Wicklow town to face familiar rivals, Wicklow Rovers C.  Rovers appear to be a lot stronger than last season and despite Town's best collective efforts they proved too strong in the first half, taking a four goal lead.  However, in the second half, Town upped their game and left manager Larry Cullen with plenty of reasons for optimism with a spirited display, conceding only one further goal to the home side.  Conor Ahearne excelled in goals, pulling off a string of fine saves while Tommy New covered every blade of grass in attempting to get Town back into the game.  At Bog Meadow, in Enniskerry, the new U10E side, with only one training session to their name, and with a few shortages in numbers, gave it their all against a more experienced Enniskerry side.  It was only when legs began to tire and Town unable to field substitutions that the floodgates opened.  Hopefully over the coming weeks the team will begin to take shape.  Onwards and upwards!

Sep 13 Hat trick for Hanley as Town pass Woodlands test
Arklow Town U10A kicked off the new season with an excellent three points away at Greystones United A, earlier today in Woodlands.  The sides faced each other in the Shield Final last May, with Town triumphant only after the lottery of penalties so were well aware of the stern test awaiting them at Woodlands against a good home 'Stones side.  Indeed, the home side carved out a first half advantage and went into the break 1-0 up.  Second half though was a different story, as Town got back into the game.  Neil Murphy was superb throughout, an excellent performance inspiring his team to make an emphatic comeback.  Key moment of the game came when Greystones were through, in on keeper Cathal Kelleher, a one on one situation.  Cathal won the duel, the chance for the home team to go 2-0 up was averted and from then on it was one way traffic, with Ross Hanley clinical as ever when presented with chances in front of goal.  Ross managed to nab all three Town goals, no doubt earning a headline or two, but today's fine win was a win for the collective efforts of the team, including new boys Stewart Mills and Morgan Harris.


 

Aug 6 Squads named for new season
Squads have now been selected for the upcoming 2008-09 season.  They are as follows: