Arklow Town FC Under 12s

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May 23 Town land coveted Treble in Bray sunshine
Arklow Town 12A's have held a long standing desire to secure a coveted clean sweep of all three WDSL domestic competitions but in all age groups from U9 through to U11 they have always been thwarted in at least one of the three competitions, succeeding all the same in claiming two titles in any one season - an honourable achievement in its own right! The treble dream finally became reality today, at the fourth time of asking, with the team recording an historic 2-0 win over rivals Newtown in the WDSL U12 Premier Cup Final, played in brilliant sunshine at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. These great rivals had met twice already in the League and Shield deciders over the previous 10 days so there was a lot of pressure, for different reasons, on both sides going into this final. In the previous two deciders, fingernails were very much bitten to the quick as Town left in very late on both occasions before scoring decisive title winning goals. Today the team were determined on finishing the season in a style fitting of champions and also to ease the nerves of all on the sideline! Indeed, Town made the perfect start, edging ahead in just the second minute of the game. A flowing Arklow move, involving four Town players, saw midfield dynamo Darren Furlong finding the lively Daniel O'hare. O'Hare then threaded a pass to Aaron Healy out wide and his low cross was executed superbly by striker Dáire O'Conchubhair to put Town into a precious early lead, a lead they would not relinquish all game. Town piled on the pressure after this great start and Healy and O'Hare combining well again two minutes later only for O'Hare to lose his footing as he was primed to double Town's lead. Darren Furlong then went closer still had a header just wide from a Mark Keenan free kick. Dáire O’Conchubhair’s long range effort from 35 yards out just skimmed the cross bar and full back Keenan showed his attacking instincts when he beat three defenders before shooting narrowly wide. Newtown, as with all good teams, gradually came more into the game, in the last ten minutes of the first half with Keith Dalton and Sean Dease causing trouble for Town’s defence on a number of occasions. They managed to force three corners in succession two minutes before the half time break, with Town grateful that goalkeeper William Horsman was in inspired form on the day. The first fifteen minutes of the second half was a crucial period as Newtown pressure intensified, in search of an equalising goal. However, it was the Arklow side who, crucially, found that all important second goal of the game, in the 48th minute, a long range shot from Mark Keenan eluded Newtown keeper Sean Carthy. Town kept their composure at the back for the remainder of the game, Christopher O'Brien and Leslie Sharpe in excellent form in defence, and subs Michael Kennedy and Shane Beevor adding fresh impetus up front. With the final whistle confirming Town's coveted Treble success, captain Darren Furlong once again had the honour of receiving the WDSL U12 Premeir Cup from FAI Regional Development Officer Paul Sheridan. This cup final win brings to an end to a remarkable 12 months for the team. In July last year the team travelled to Derry, to participate in the Foyle Cup and returned home winners of the Rose Bowl trophy, beating Ballymoney Sports Academy in the final. They then won the Jimmy ’Spooner’ Ryan trophy in Templemore before undertaking the current season in WDSL competition, where they have remained unbeaten all season, losing just one game at national level, a 1-0 defeat in the last 32 of the SFAI Norton Cup, to eventual semi finalists Cherry Orchard.

Images from today's Premier Cup Final:

May 23 Extra time heartbreak for C team
Town's 12C's were also in cup final action at the Carlisle Grounds, taking on Division 2 League winners Coolboy A in the Division 2 Cup Final. A tense game, Town believed they had grabbed the initiative early into the second half when William Howe headed home from close range, getting on the end of an excellent corner from Conor Hughes.   Unfortunately for Town, the ball was deemed out of play before Howe headed home.  To compound matters the Arklow player was injured in the process of netting and had to depart the game.  Goalless at full time and the opening half of extra time failed to see a goal scored.  With the spectre of penatlies looming the league winners struck a killer blow, a Coolboy forward heading home the game's first goal.  Coolboy sealed the win with a second goal just one minute later, and Town had no time to respond.  A cruel ending to a valiant effort.

The 12B's welcomed Ardmore Rovers A to the Leisure Centre and duly wrapped up the runners up spot in Division 1 with a powerful 9-0 demolition of the Bray team.  Goals on the day came from Darren Dempsey (3), Peter Sherwood (2), Corey Mills, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Garrett Kenny and keeper Brendan Byrne who came outfield to show his team mates how to finish in style!  Congratulations to the team, sealing the runners up place with one game to spare.  Indeed, Town can rightly feel a little hard done by not to have landed the league title this season having lost just one game all year - less than league winners Wicklow Rovers B (who Town took 4 points from in league action).

May 16 First half Ryan hat trick hands title on a plate
A text book performance from the entire team in a wonderful opening half teed up Town's 12B Plate Final success today at Rathnew's Shamrock Park, with a thumping 7-1 victory over Enniskerry A.  Town started quickly, passing the ball about with supreme confidence from the very first whistle, a series of attacks mainly launched down the left flank where Jack Hennessy and Aaron Kelly were linking up well.  Paul Ryan was rewarded for his bravery when chasing a lost cause, turning a nothing ball into an opening goal for Town.  Hesitancy between an Enniskerry defender and the keeper allowed Ryan to deflect a hurried clearance, with the ball ending up in the back of the net.  Ryan was injured in the challenge but soon recovered to add to Enniskerry woes.  Defender Joe Ledwith enjoyed a lot of freedom in his central position and came forward on a number of occasions to shoot from distance.  Ledwith had at least six long range efforts, all on target, before indeed firing home an Arklow second goal, a deflected effort again eluding the Enniskerry keeper.  Paul Ryan then linked up very well with the hard working Darren Dempsey to net a third.  Ryan, late in the half, then added his third, and Town's fourth, with a clever bit of play after good movement from Peter Sherwood in the build up.  Any slim chance Enniskerry had of finding a way back into the game was snuffed out at the back by Town's backline, with John O'Halloran, the aforementioned Joe Ledwith, Garrett Kenny and Jack Hennessy all in determined mood to ensure keeper Brendan Byrne had a quiet day between the sticks.  Corey Mills began to increasingly enjoy the freedom of Shamrock Park in the second half and he found Paul Ryan inside the area early in the second half to further increase Town's lead.  Joe Ledwith then drove one home from distance, as he had threatened to do so in the opening half.  Soon to be followed by Mills deservedly netted himself, a beautifully struck effort across the keeper, almost bursting the back of the net.   Enniskerry grabbed a late consolation goal but there was no denying today was Town's day, with some lovely flowing football across the pitch the key to their success.  Town will now hope to build on an excellent team performance with the runners up place in Division 1 still all to play for.

Images from Town's Plate Final success:

May 16 Double whammy leaves Town on verge of Treble
"Super Sunday" is a tired cliché, readily trotted out by our good friends within satellite television broadcasting, often the case proving to be somewhat at odds with the bold pre-match claims. Close followers of schoolboy/girl football in Wicklow will have observed that the meetings in recent seasons between Arklow Town’s current 12A team and their equivalent from Newtown’s 12A side are always close encounters. Indeed, the two sides have shared the honours over recent years, with Town claiming both League and Shield titles at U10 and 11 levels, while Newtown settled for cup successes. This eagerly anticipated meeting in the WDSL U12 Premier Division Shield Final was heightened with Arklow Town lifting the Premier Division League title earlier in the week in the most dramatic of fashions. Town needed just one point from their last fixture, ironically a home meeting with Newtown, the visitors requiring a win to force a play off. End to end action, the game played at a frenetic pace, it was Newtown who struck first with a goal just fifteen minutes from full time. Arklow pressed for an equalising goal that would see them crowned champions and captain Darren Furlong obliged, stepping up with a majestic free kick with just five minutes remaining to level matters and secure a third league title in a row for the Arklow club in quite arguably the most dramatic of circumstances. All of which teed up nicely the meeting of the two sides in today's Shield decider, at Whitegates in Wicklow.  Arklow edged the possession throughout the game, spurning quite a number of good chances to break the deadlock. Numerous missed chances served only to frustrate the hard working Arklow side. Into the bargain Newtown gained in spirit from Arklow’s profligacy in front of goal though they too experienced a frustrating afternoon against a domineering Arklow defence. Indeed this was probably Town’s most assured defensive performance to date this season. With just two minutes remaining, extra time looming, man of the match Mark Keenan drove forward, finding Aaron Healy. Healy did well to win the aerial ball, finding the lively Dáire O’Conchubhair who showed a fabulous close control of the ball before unleashing a shot that was magnificently tipped onto the crossbar by the outstretched fingers of Newtown’s keeper. Dramatically, the ball crashed off the bar and back into the six yard area where Town dynamo Darren Beevor was quickest to react, driving home the rebound to send the Arklow support into raptures. Newtown, quite literally, were crestfallen, with little or no time left to level matters. Arklow captain Darren Furlong duly received the Premier Shield after the game from the WDSL’s John McDonald, with all minds instantly focusing on next weekend’s third instalment, the meeting of the two teams oncemore at the Carlisle Grounds in the WDSL U12 Premier Cup Final. Schoolboy football at its finest.

Images from today's Shield Final:

May 15 Disappointment for C team in Shield Final
Disappointment today for Town's 12C's, losing the WDSL U12 Division 2 Shield Final to Roundwood A.  An even enough contest, Town were rocked with the concession of two goals inside two minutes midway through the opening half.  Further frustration for Town with half time looming, a Niall McDonald effort was deemed to be offside.  The game was put beyond Town's reach in the second half, after a contentious goal went Roundwood's way, a handball incident not seen by the referee in the lead up to the goal.  Town, in all fairness, were much better in the second half even though obviously disappointed with the result.

May 11 Town dig deep to go the extra furlong in dramatic title success
There are eight furlongs in one mile; there is one Furlong in Town's 12A team and tonight it was captain Darren Furlong who dragged Town that extra distance past opponents Newtown in dramatic fashion to land the WDSL U12 Premier League title - hopefully the first piece of silverware in a chase for a coveted treble.  Town needed just one point tonight to secure the title, having defeated Newtown on their home ground earlier this season, and both teams winning all games since, bringing us to tonight's 'showdown' at the Community College here in Arklow.  Respectful of other opposition within the league, it is Newtown and Town who have jousted for the honours over recent seasons, and this season is proving no different.  Tonight's game proved to be an exciting game and nerve-wracking in equal measure.  Scoreless at half time, the visitors struck the first blow of the evening, a clinical finish from close range with just fifteen minutes left on the clock.  Town's treble hopes were in serious danger of going up in smoke at the first hurdle.  With just five minutes remaining and the pressure increasing, Town were given a free kick twenty yards out from Newtown's goal.  Captain Darren Furlong, a tireless worker all game, stepped up to drive home the most important goal of his life to date, his superbly driven effort smashing off the underside of the crossbar and down; thankfully across the goal line to draw Town level.

Town had dominated play in the opening half but had failed on every occasion created to open the scoring, spurning numerous chances to score.  Dáire O'Conchubhair had a number of chances in the opening five minutes alone.  Josh Moody went closer still with a shot just wide in the 12th minute while Daniel O'Hare was industry personified on Town's right flank, firing in countless crosses that yielded little dividend for a very attack minded Town side.  For Newtown, both Darren Walshe and Ross Davis were nothing short of superb, thwarting most Town attacks.  At the opposite end, both Leslie Sharp and David Boddy were dominating in central defence, with Darren Beevor also in excellent form wearing the number three shirt.  Town rode their luck just once in the opening half, a scare in the 18th minute when Keith Dalton was allowed to breach the backline, dragging his shot just wide of William Horsman's post.  It served a timely reminder to Town, though dominating possession, that Newtown were lively when given the opportunity.  That indeed proved to be the case in the second half, with the tension naturally rising as the clock ticked slowly towards the end.  The visitors were given a corner kick in the tenth minute of the second half, and Sean Dease was perfectly placed on the edge of Town's penalty area to steer home a shot through a crowd of players, putting Newtown ahead, with their supporters erupting in euphoric celebration.  Town, though obviously hit for six with the drama and importance of the goal conceded, knuckled down and drove right back at Newtown.  Patrick Dempsey, through sheer bloody mindness drove Arklow at Newtown constantly, the home side peppering Newtown's goal, all efforts ably saved by the visitors' keeper.  With just five minutes remaining Dáire O'Conchubhair was felled on the edge of Newtown's penalty area, earning Town a precious set piece opportunity.  Up stepped deadball specialist, captain Darren Furlong, to smash home without doubt Town's most precious goal scored to date this season, to level the game, and more importantly secure the one point required to earn Town a precious League title.  This team will hardly ever again win a league title in such dramatic fashion.  Congratulation therefore to, most importantly, all the players on their success this evening and congratulations also to the management team.  One down, two to go...?

May 11 High drama as Town prevail from the penalty spot
Allen Park in Aughrim was most certainly the place to be this evening for drama of the highest, with Town's 12C and Coolboy A meeting in the controversially rescheduled Division 2 Shield semi final fixture versus Coolboy A.  The original meeting of the teams was abandoned after just 25 minutes with Town leading 1-0 so Town were keen to ensure they prevailed this evening against the Division 2 league leaders.  The teams were very evenly matched from the first whistle, but the fancied Coolboy side edged ahead with the only goal of the opening half.  Town pressed for an equaliser and their determination was rewarded midway through the second half.  Conor O'Brien pushed forward and was though denied by the Coolboy defence he earned a corner kick.  From the set piece, Conor Hughes swung uin an excellent ball and Liam Scales got the deftest of touches to flick the ball past the keeper into the bottom corner.  With no further goals in normal and then extra time, the tie had to be decided from the penalty spot.  Whatever drama had taken place up to now was put in the ha'penny place, as the tension rose.  Town missed their opening spot kick, as did Coolboy.  Town then missed their second penalty.  This was followed by Town keeper William Maughan making a fabulous save to deny Coolboy.  Steven McDonald then netted the opening goal in the shoot out, for Town.  Coolboy again missed their spot kick.  Town spurned a glorious chance to go two up with their fourth spot kick, and Coolboy duly levelled.  Liam Scales then netted and the Coolboy player then did exactly the same.  Down to the last spot kicks, the contest had by now in effect become sudden death.  Keeper Maughan stepped up to the spot and slotted home.  Coolboy then did likewise.  Up stepped Conor O'Brien, cool as a cucumber, for the first 'proper' sudden death penalty kick and despite the pressure he found the back of the net.  Coolboy then missed their last penalty kick sparking wild celebrations amongst the Town players, management and support.  Town had reached their second final in three days and they celebrated accordingly.

May 4 Lady Luck eludes B in cup exit
A cruel exit from this season's Premier Cup for Town's 12B team, bowing out after a 1-0 defeat away at Greystones United A earlier tonight.  Town made the worst possible start, conceding straight from the kick off.  For the remaining 59 minutes however it was all Arklow.  Constant pressure placed on Greystone's defence, Town just could not find a breakthrough and so they exit the cup having outplayed and outthought opposition from a higher division.  Small consolation after such a fine team performance.

May 2 Big wins for Town sides
Town's 12A's were in Premier Cup action today, welcoming St. Anthony's A to the Leisure Centre for a quarter final meeting.  The 12A's duly enjoyed their asy passage to the semi finals, strolling to an expected win.  Town now face Rathnew in the semi final, to be played next Saturday.  Town should then have three season-defining games against their nearest rivals Newtown, first on Tuesday May 11th in their last league match (a draw for Town will see them crowned champions); the following weekend they face each other in the Shield Final and they then conclude their season with the cup final match, should both sides prevail in their respective semi finals.  Despite being very successful since coming together as a U8 side, this group of players have frequently won doubles in the WDSL but have never claimed all three titles - League, Cup and Shield - in the one season, given their recent performance levels this could well be their year.  Town opened the scoring inside the opening minute, a high cross from Christopher O'Brien was misjudged by the St. Anthony’s keeper, who allowed the ball to bounce over him, and Dáire O'Conchubhair was on hand to guide it into an empty net.  O'Conchubhair scored the second in the 10th minute, running from the halfway line and sliding the ball past the keeper while Darren Furlong added the third 8 minutes later when his well struck free kick from 25 yards out flew straight into the net.  St. Anthony’s were no match for Town in most aspects of play, however they did play the offside rule extremely well, posting their four man defence very high up the pitch and catching Town’s strikers offside on numerous occasions.  Town did begin to adjust to this tactic late in the second half and it allowed them to score another three goals to effectively end the match as a contest.  Aaron Healy played a great through ball to Tómas Farrell in the 22nd minute and he also ran from half way and slid the ball past the keeper for goal number 4.  Farrell then turned provider three minutes later when his run and cross from the end line allowed O'Conchubhair to notch his hat trick.  Mark Keenan scored his second goal in two games when he fired home Aaron Healy’s corner kick high into the net with a powerful shot from the edge of the box.  The score was 6-0 at half time.  Midfielder Pat Dempsey scored a fine 7th goal three minutes after the resumption, scooping his shot over the keeper from outside the box and he then also played a delightful through ball to sub Michael Kennedy just four minutes later that allowed the latter to score an excellent individual 8th goal.  Darren Beevor had a very good game on the left side of midfield and he deservedly got on the score sheet in the 45th minute to make it 9-0. St. Anthony’s did manage to force a free kick outside the box in the 50th minute and the well taken kick was slotted home by their number nine for a consolation goal.  Town though had the final say when Beevor popped up on the right hand side of the attack with 5 minutes left on the clock, and he pulled the ball on to his favoured left foot and easily beat the keeper for the 10th and final goal.

Meanwhile, on the road up in Bray, Town's 12C team were recording an excellent 6-1 victory over St. Fergal's in Division 2.  Travelling to Bray with a depleted squad, just 10 squad players available and Liam Scales from the Under 11 ranks making an appearance in goals.  However Arklow stared the match the brighter and outclassed their opposition.  The Arklow defensive four put on a display of composure when under pressure and also displayed their attacking muscle when breaking from deep.  Jack Hamilton (captain for the day) playing in midfield put in an assured display and made sure that Arklow won their share of contested ball along with his partner in midfield Conor Hughes.  Town took the lead in the tenth minute when Jack Hamilton hit a ferocious shot from just outside the box that left the goalkeeper helpless.  The goal seemed to settle Arklow who then dominated play.  Willie Maughan finished off a great move to score a well earned second.  The first half eneded with Town 2-0 ahead.  Into the second half, Town upped their game furthermore and increased their lead with Niall McDonald slotting home.  A really wonderful solo effort from Harrison Penn, intercepting a ball in his own defence and then running the length of the pitch only to be fouled in the opposition box.  Harrison then converted the subsequent penalty.  St. Fergals were then reduced to 10 men as the defender who took down Harrison was adjudged as the last man.   Liam Scales replaced the injured Willie Maughan in midfield with Willie donning the goalkeeper jersey.  St. Fergal's then scored from a quickly taken free kick that caught the Arklow defence napping.   Eoghan Doyle and Liam Scales then scored for Arklow in the latter stages of the game to put the seal on an excellent performance.

Apr 29 Entertaining draw at the Leisure Centre
Six goals and a share of the spoils was the order of the evening as Town's 12C's and Coolboy B met at the Leisure Centre earlier tonight.  Niall McDonald fired home twice for Town with Conor Hughes netting Town's other goal as Town settled for their first drawn league game this season.

Apr 27 B team six shooters keep title hopes alive
Five goals on Sunday morning followed by another six goal haul tonight as Town's 12B's eased to a 6-0 win away at Ardmore Rovers A, at Ballywaltrim in Bray.  Goals were scored by Corey Mills, Aaron Kelly, Paul Ryan, Chris Flood (2) and Garrett Kenny.  The win pushes Town to within two points of second place Enniskerry A with three games in hand.  Leaders Wicklow Rovers B lie seven points clear at the top though Town have two games in hand.

Apr 18 Mills masterclass sees B's into final
Town's 12B's eased into the Plate Final with a convincing 5-0 win over Rathnew A earlier today.  However, throughout the opening half it looked as though Town were going to rue a series of missed opportunities in front of goal.  Corey Mills broke the deadlock with a slightly fortuitous effort, a cross that drifted high and over the Rathnew keeper, into the net.  Chris Flood deservedly added a second goal, a reward for his determination, getting on the end of a slide rule pass from Aaron Kelly.  The second half was to belong to Mills, adding a further three goals for Town.  His second, and Town's third, came when he drove home a forceful strike that the keeper was unable to hold.  He completed his hat trick with a nice finish and capped an excellent performance, saving his best for last when taking a through ball from midfield and hitting it first time on the volley beyond the reach of the Rathnew keeper.

Apr 15 Town set for semi final showdown!
Arklow Town 12C's eased into the semi final of this season's Division 2 Shield after a highly entertaining seven goal thriller at the Leisure Centre  went the way of visitors, Coolboy B.  Having already secured a semi final berth Town were already safe in the knowledge that this evening's result was not the be all and end all.  However, teams enjoy winning games and Town were as determined as Coolboy to win the game.  Coolboy knew that a win for them would see them into the semi finals also, to face Roundwood with Town then to face Coolboy A, winners of Group A.  The game began poorly for the home side, conceding inside the opening minute.  Straight from the first whistle Coolboy attacked and the very first Arklow touch on the ball resulted in a corner kick to the visitors.  From the corner kick Sean Doyle smashed home an excellently executed strike from close range to give Coolboy an early lead.  Arklow's second touch of the ball was to take it out of the net.  Arklow responded positively, working their way upfield.  The back four of Charlie Scales, Jamie Carty, Harrisson Penn and William Maughan began to get a foothold in the game and Town were soon settling into their stride.  From a Conor Hughes corner kick Eoghan Doyle did brilliantly to create space from nothing and then smash home a leveller, deservedly so, for Town.  A setback then for Town with the concession of a poor goal.  However, Steven McDonald soon raised Arklow spirits with a marvellous strike from outside the box sailing high into the top left corner, bringing Town level for a second time.  The second half was keenly contested and very even.  Niall McDonald thought he struck the winner for Town with little more than ten minutes remaining, put clean through on the right wing, the young striker made a direct run for goal and cutting into the right edge of Coolboy's area he fired home above the away keeper to put Town 3-2 ahead.  Coolboy then levelled to set up a grandstand finish and in keeping with the uncertainty of this entertaining game, just as it looked like a share of the spoils, up popped Sean Doyle to net his hat trick for the visitors and their fourth goal.  Coolboy will now face Roundwood in their semi while Town entertain Coolboy A.  With as much effort put into that game as evident tonight Town have a great chance.  Impossible to pick a man of the match, with many players giving it their all.  For his reading of the game at the back and being the heartbeat of the team's performance Harrisson Penn deserves credit.  So too both Conor Hughes and Charlie Scales, working tirelessly all game for the team.  Into the semi finals with confidence kept high, buoyed by a good preformance in defeat.  Come on the Town!

Images from this evening's game:

Apr 14 Town edge closer to league title
Nine wins from nine league games played thus far has placed Town on the verge of another league title success.  Just one game remains, against Newtown, and Town need just one point to claim the title.  This evening's game was a very scrappy affair, played on a very dry and bumpy Rocky Road pitch, and Town never looked like racking up the big goals total that have been a feature of recent games between these two sides.  They did dominate the game and were camped in Wicklow's half for the most of the match although the home side did offer a higher degree of resistance throughout and created a higher number of half chances that they have done in the recent encounters.  Town get off to a great start when captain Darren Furlong lobbed the Wicklow keeper Conor Lincoln from 25 metres for a peach of a goal in the 5th minute.  Mark Keenan scored his first goal for the club seven minutes later when he moved into an attacking position from his right back slot and unleashed a pile driver of a shot that gave Lincoln no chance.  This promising start signalled that another rout might be on the cards, but a combination of the pitch and Wicklow’s dogged defence meant that it remained 2-0 at half time.  Town did continue to press forward, with Josh Moody, Town's best player on the night, causing a lot of trouble for Wicklow’s left back and winning a series of corners that did not yield any more goals.  The second half became more scrappy although Town continued to mount attacks on both flanks with Moody and Keenan probing on the right and the Beevor brothers, Shane and Darren, combining well on a number of occasions on the right side.  Aaron Healy also worked very hard up front and was a constant thorn in the side of the overworked Wicklow defence and he got a just reward for his efforts on the stroke of full time when he slotted home a cross from Darren Beevor to seal the win for Town.

Apr 11 Town lay down a marker
With both teams already qualified for this season's WDSL U12 Premier Division Shield semi finals, a play off to decide who topped Group A was the order of the day at Wicklow Rovers' Whitegates with Town facing rivals Newtown.  Having drawn both previous encounters against Newtown (1-1 and 0-0), Town laid down an important marker against them earlier today when recording an emphatic 2-0 victory.  It is quite probable that both teams will meet again at the business end of the season when the Shield and Cup finals are played in early May and this win will give Town the impetus to go on and try to record a treble of victories in all 3 domestic competitions - league, cup and shield.   The 2-0 score line does not do justice to Town’s dominance in this encounter as once again their magnificent defence kept Newtown at bay for practically the whole 60 minutes, conceding only one clear-cut chance in the 50th minute, a shot that was eventually smother by Town’s keeper William Horsman.   Town forced five corners in the opening 15 minutes alone, many of them emanating from the forceful play along the right flank by Josh Moody.  They did not score from these although Dáire O'Conchubhair did have a header off the bar and Darren Furlong was also narrowly wide with another headed effort.   Right back Christopher O'Brien, who had a great game at number 2, was instrumental in setting up the opening goal in the 20th minute - his through ball on the right touchline set up O'Conchubahir to take on and beat a number of defenders before coolly slotting the ball past the Newtown ‘keeper.  Town continued to apply a high degree of pressure right up to half time and Daniel O'Hare got on the end of a 3 player move initiated by Darren Beevor in the 25th minute only to see his shot go agonisingly wide.  Leslie Sharpe almost made in 2-0 two minutes into the second half when he availed of a breaking ball, following another corner, and smashed a great volley that was equally well saved by the impressive Newtown ‘keeper.  The insurance second goal did come in the 43rd minute when midfield dynamo Furlong went on a surging run before passing to sub Aaron Healy who then swivelled and unleashed a powerful shot to the net.  The final score was 2-0 in Town’s favour.

Mar 28 Perfect ten as Town ease into quarter final
Town, as expected, accounted for Wicklow Rovers A with ease in their Premier Cup meeting at Whitegates to advance to the quarter final and a home tie against either St. Anthony's A or Carnew.  They had their expected stroll in the park against Wicklow Rovers A earlier today when they faced up to their opponents for the third time in just two months, this time in their WDSL U12 Premier Cup 1st Round clash. Town put a total of 16 goals past Rovers in the previous two outings so it was no surprise when Town racked up a 10-0 win in this match. And that was with the referee finishing the match prematurely after 55 of the scheduled 60 minutes. Dáire O'Conchubhair opened Town's account after just two minutes, being put through by right back Mark Keenan. It was almost 2-0 two minutes later when Daniel O'Hare set up Tomás Farrell who fired over from 20 yards. It did become 2-0 one minute later when Leslie Sharp blasted home from close range, after Farrell had chipped the ball into the box following a corner. Town were forcing a lot of corners as a result of their incessant pressure on the Rovers defence, and it was no surprise that these set pieces led to the third and fourth goals. Darren Furlong netted the third with a header after a fine corner kick from Farrell while Sharp got his second of the day after Dave Boddy touched on O'Conchubhair’s corner. A neat back heel from Farrell allowed Patrick Dempsey pick his spot for the fifth goal in the 20th minute and when O'Conchubhair was fouled outside the box on the stroke of half time it looked ideally set up for free kick specialist Furlong to add another goal, but his curled free kick just drifted outside the post. Daniel O'Hare was unlucky not to get his name on the score sheet one minute into the second half when his shot from inside the box came off the post and went wide. Manager Dave Boddy rang the changes at half time, introducing two subs and moving his personnel around the pitch with the defenders getting a chance to play up front and the strikers manning the backline. Sub Aaron Healy made an immediate impact, picking up a loose ball in the box in the 37th minute and firing home for goal number six while Patrick Dempsey showed great vision one minute later when delaying his pass momentarily to allow Darren Beevor ghost past the Rovers right back and strike a great goal to make it 7-0. Keenan and Boddy, now in an advanced role, set up Healy for his second goal of the day in the 45th minute and then Boddy capped a great personal performance with a two goal salvo in the last 10 minutes. This brought the goal tally into double digits and no doubt it would have been even higher had the match run to the full 60 minutes.

The 12B's were not in action this weekend having received a bye in the cup draw.  They will now face Greystones United A away in the quarter final of the Premier Cup after the Woodlands based side earned safe passage of their own into the quarter finals with a 4-0 win away at Ardmore Rovers A.  Equally the 12C's were without a cup game and are due to face Wicklow Town A at home in their Division 2 1st Round clash.

Mar 20 Draws for both Town sides
Both 12B and 12C teams were in action today, with the B team facing Wicklow Rovers B in league action at the Community College and the C team travelling to face Coolboy in Shield action.  The B's started like a house on fire against Wicklow, dominating the opening period of play and creating a succession of half chances.  Indeed, Town grabbed the first goal of the game from one such attack.  Corey Mills, operating out wide right swung in a decent cross, finding Darren Dempsey in the Wicklow area.  He was shielded by a number of Rovers' defenders but managed to spot Stephen McElligott-Ryan charging through and laid off a delightful ball into his path for McElligott-Ryan to smash home from 25 yards out.  Chances continued to be created, at both ends, with one excellent save from the away keeper keeping them in the game at the break.  The away team came more into the game in the second half, aided by a freshening wind behind them and they levelled early into the half, the only time Town keeper Chris Flood was beaten.  Flood enjoyed an excellent game between the sticks for Town.  Town worked hard for a winning goal and with a little luck in front of goal may have turned one point into all three.  However, it was not to be.

Meanwhile, the 12C's were taking part in another of the game's definitive "game of two halves", playing Coolboy away.  Town were weakened with the absence of both Conor Hughes and William Howe but still started well, playing with a growing confidence.  Town were to rue a few missed opportunities in the opening ten minutes as Coolboy began to get a foothold on the game and they edged ahead despite the best efforts of Town keeper Dermot Reid who had pulled off a magnificent save just moments earlier.  Coolboy then doubled their lead, an unstoppable volley beating Reid.   Town upped through the gears from the off after the restart and were soon finding a route back into the game, with goals from both Niall McDonald and Aaron O'Toole levelling matters.  Try as they might Town just could not quite get that vital break in front of goal to earn all three points from what was a highly entertaining game.

Mar 7 Town in cruise control
Town 12A's enjoyed a comfortable hour against Wicklow Rovers A earlier today, easing past the Wicklow side on a 6-0 scoreline to edge nearer to a Shield Final place.  With one game remaining in the group stage Town travel to Newtown knowing a win will see them top Group A and then await a semi-final clash against the runners up in Group B.  Town eased past today's opposition in the reverse fixture a few weeks back and though not hitting double figures today they once again dominated play in a similar fashion.  Daniel O'Hare was very prominent early on, forcing the first two corners of the game and having a shot from the edge of the box that carried over the bar.  Darren Furlong was his usual forceful self in midfield and he had a number of efforts on goal over the hour, including a number of headers that troubled Rovers ‘keeper Conor Lincoln.  It was fitting that captain Furlong should lead the way with the opening goal, a fine header from a well struck corner by Dáire O'Conchubhair in the 19th minute.  O'Conchubhair himself added the second two minutes later when he beat Lincoln in a one on one situation.  Aaron Healy played well in a new role at number five, and he and Dave Boddy helped to snuff out the few attacks that Wicklow began to build towards the end of the first half.  Mark Keenan stared the game at right back and he helped set up many of Town's attacks along the right flank, combining well with O'Hare and midfielder Tómas Farrell.  The game was out of Wicklow reach one minute before half time when the O'Conchubhair / Furlong combination worked well again for the latter to score a well deserved third goal, a left foot strike from the edge of the box.  Town continued to apply the pressure after the break with Keenan and Furlong all having half chances before Patrick Dempsey scored a fourth goal, a perfectly placed header from a corner by second half sub Christopher O'Brien.  O'Conchubhair availed of a poor kick out in the 50th minute to take the ball to the by line and cross for O'Hare to head home, Town’s third headed goal of the day.  O'Conchubhair made it 6-0 in the 52nd minute when he picked up the ball on the half way line and beat two defenders before coolly slotting past Lincoln to wrap up the points for the home team.  Wicklow did break through with three minutes left on the clock, but keeper William Horsman, who was untested all day, was quickly off his line to smother the ball at the feet of the Rovers centre forward.

Mar 7 Town maintain 100% start with impressive win
Town's 12C's, playing with a growing confidence, started the brighter in this morning's clash away at St. Fergal's but despite enjoying good spells of possession failed to turn that control into goals, spurning a number of good chances.  William Maughan did make a breakthrough, deservedly so, on the quarter hour mark, when he fired home a bullet header from an excellent Conor O'Brien corner kick.  Niall McDonald doubled Town's lead before the break when bursting through the Fergal's backline to slot home into the far corner.  The home side reacted well in the opening stages of the second half, an early goal hauling them back into the game.  They then levelled midway through the half and must have thought it was to be their day.  However, Town dug keep, kept their composure and regained control of the game with Aaron O'Toole netting what turned out to be the winning goal, a scrambled effort in a packed Fergal's penalty area, O'Toole getting a foot to the ball to steer through the bodies into the net.  Fergal's piled on the pressure in the closing stages with Town forced to defend superbly well to secure a hard earned three Shield points.  Man of the match today, Jamie Carty.

Feb 20 Town enjoy trek on the Rocky Road
Town enjoyed a very comfortable ride against Wicklow Rovers A when they played them at their Rocky Road venue earlier today, firing home ten goals unanswered. This was no contest from the outset as Town played their fluent passing game that left their opponents floundering in all areas of the pitch and unable to stem the tide of goals that followed from as early as the fourth minute. Darren Beevor opened the account when he availed of pass from Dáire O'Conchubhair after good work initially by Aaron Healy, and beat the Rovers ‘keeper from close range. O'Conchubhair himself swivelled well in the sixth minute and volleyed home from just inside the box for goal number two. The two Beevor brothers, Shane and Darren combined well on the left flank all day and it was the left back Shane, who was instrumental in putting Aaron Healy through for his first of the day in the 8th minute, a powerful shot from 25 yards that gave the Wicklow keeper no chance. Wicklow’s attacking moves were few and far between and anytime they did manage to pose a threat up front they were snuffed out immediately by the centre back partnership of Dave Boddy and Leslie Sharpe, both of whom were majestic at the heart of the defence. Patrick Dempsey and Darren Furlong easily dominated the midfield area and they sprayed passes behind the Rovers full backs all day long creating numerous chances for Town’s wingers and strikers. Town’s fourth goal came from one such move, with Dempsey sliding the ball past the Rovers number 3 for O'Hare to take the ball to the bye line and cross for O'Conchubhair to net his second of the day. Dempsey himself had a stinging shot off the crossbar in the fifteenth minute, goal of the match had it gone in, but he turned provider again two minutes later when he played a through ball to O'Hare who finished with confidence for goal number five. The first half rout was completed in the 24th minute when Healy, who had a great 30 minutes, netted the sixth goal from close range. The second period was only three minutes old when Sharpe did all the spadework before setting up substitute Josh Moody for a good seventh Town goal, while another sub, Tomás Farrell had a number of great efforts from outside the box and was unlucky not to get on the score sheet in the last 20 minutes. Furlong played a diagonal ball through to O'Conchubhair in the 50th minute and the latter showed good control to dink the ball past the Rovers keeper for the 8th goal. Wicklow’s keeper then allowed the ball to squirm out of his hands with just eight minutes remaining, Moody reacting quickest to direct the ball home for his second of the day while O'Conchubhair was put through by Farrell with one minute left on the clock and he duly converted his fourth and his side’s tenth goal of the day.

Feb 20 Back to back wins put C's on top
Arklow Town 12C's welcomed Wicklow Town A to a Leisure Centre pitch that was basking in winter sunshine.  For the first 20 minutes the teams proved to be very evenly matched but as the first half progressed Arklow started to dominate in midfield and especially down the left wing ,where Conor O'Brien and William Howe started to turn the game.  Several good Arklow Town chances went unconverted until Niall McDonald sent the home team into half time with a deserved 1-0 lead.  Arklow started off the second half brightly as Willie Maughan and Conor Hughes dominated in midfield with Hughes putting in telling balls and Maughan winning crucial tackles.  Arklow then put the game beyond reach with a headed goal from Willie Maughan and a good finish from Aaron O'Toole.  The home side then completely dominated with four further goals.  Willie Maughan and Conor Hughes each completed a brace and Eoghan Doyle claimed a scrambled effort.  Arklow also claimed their first clean sheet of the campaign thanks mainly to the efforts of under 11 player Jack Sommers, and excellent goalkeeping from Dermot Reid.

Meanwhile, at Whitegates in Wicklow it was a bad day for the 12B's, a poor performance against the home team, losing 4-1, with Town's only goal coming from Darren Dempsey.

Feb 14 High Five for Town hotshots in Enniskerry
Arklow Town' U12B team kept their Shield ambitions firmly on track with a superb 5-0 demolition of rivals Enniskerry A at Ballyman Road today.  Town started slowly but settled into the game midway through the half.  Corey Mills, arguably the pick of the players, proved to be a constant threat down the right wing with a succession of excellent crosses causing numerous problems for Enniskerry's keeper and defence.  Aaron Kelly and Matthew O'Neill both went close, twice, to opening the scoring from Mills' crosses.  With Arklow now on top the first goal was only a matter of time in coming and it duly arrived after a sweeping move upfield, with Stephen McElligott-Ryan slotting in Kelly to drive low and hard into the bottom corner of the Enniskerry goal.  The visitors doubled their lead five minutes from the break with a majestic left foot volley from Micheál Hudson looping over everyone high into the net.  Buoyed by the beauty of such a strike Town continued to dominate after the break and the game as a contest was put beyond the home team when Arklow's Garrett Kenny struck one of his by now trademark free kicks from distance, a powerful strike that beat the keeper all ends up.  John O'Halloran and Paul Ryan, both operating in full back berths, continued to drive forward at every opportunity and Town continued to create chances for further goals.  Chris Flood, deputising for Brendan Byrne in goals, had a superb game with the added bonus of a clean sheet.  Tiernan Mellon was causing havoc up front for Town with some great hold up play bringing those around him into play.  An excellent individual effort from the hard working Darren Dempsey put Town four ahead and the icing was placed on the cake when McElligott-Ryan added a fifth late in the game after a run that saw him beat four Enniskerry defenders before steering a shot into the corner of the net.

Feb 14 Deadlock unbroken at BBK
Town's 12A side had their first outing in WDSL competition since mid December, it also being their first game since the National Cup exit against CherryOrchard, and while they dominated possession for lengthy spells against rivals Newtown, they were unable to convert even one of a host of chances created over the 60 minutes. The tone for the game was set as early as the first minute with Daniel O'Hare winning a corner after good approach work by Patrick Dempsey. Josh Moody ‘s effort being well saved by the Newtown ‘keeper. Dáire O'Conchubhair forced another corner after three minutes and this was cleared by the resilient Newtown defence. Despite being under servere pressure in the opening exchanges the visitors managed an opening of their own in the fifth minute, with a shot from distance sailing high over Christopher O'Brien's bar. The rest of the opening half became largely a scrappy affair with a lot of the play compressed into the middle third of the field and both defences very much on top. O'Hare did have another half chance five minutes before the break but his shot was inches the wrong side of the post, ensuring the sides went into the break deadlocked. Town started the second half in a positive fashion and had one of their better chances in the 34th minute, Leslie Sharpe playing a lovely through ball to O'Conchubhair with the latter’s left footed effort sailing over the bar. Hard working midfielder Darren Furlong had an effort from 30 yards six minutes later and he tried another long range shot in the 17th minute but both were too high to cause any trouble to the Newtown ‘keeper. Town had a number of set pieces midway through the second half, such a situation looking increasingly likely to be Town's best route to unlocking the Newtown defence. However, it was not to be despite Town's continuing pressure right to the final whistle. Town indeed going close in the closing minutes with substiture Tomás Farrell having two efforts and then Darren Furlong putting a header agonisingly wide of the far post.

Jan 31 Dempsey's Day as Enniskerry are blown away
A cold frosty morning failed to deter a red hot performance from Town's 12B team against Enniskerry A at Arklow Community College.  The home side started off at a very quick tempo with Darren Dempsey rifling home the opener after just four minutes.  Dempsey was to prove too hot to handle for the Enniskerry defence as he slotted home four excellent goals to secure victory for Town.  Twice rounding the keeper to slot home and once getting on the end of a fine cross from Corey Mills; his fourth came from a through ball from Peter Sherwood, taking a first time shot from inside the area, partially deflected by the Enniskerry keeper.  Dempsey's partner up front today was the tireless John O'Halloran and he too was rewarded for his graft with a nice goal after excellent link up play with Dempsey.  At times, with confidence oozing from the Town side the passing was crisp and movement excellent.  Paul Ryan linking up very well with Corey Mills, with Mills time and time again delivering top quality crosses into the area.  Not to be outdone Jack Hennessy and Chris Flood were solid throughout.  At the back both Joe Ledwith and Garrett Kenny did well to patrol the rearguard when called upon. Town's one lapse came when 5-0 up, a momentary lapse of collective concentration resulting in the visitors netting a consolation goal.  Goal of the game was saved till last, with Stephen McElligott-Ryan turning one way and then the other before creating himself space to drive a shot low and hard into the Enniskerry net.  Overall a vastly improved performance on last weekend's disappointing game versus Carnew and hope renewed for a strong Shield campaign.

Jan 30 Wonderful win for C team in Wicklow
Town's 12C's got off to the worst possible start earlier today at Finlay Park, with home team Wicklow Town scoring straight from the kick off.  However, Arklow shrugged this setback off and got down to business.  Arklow dominated play for the next 15 minutes with players missing some gilt edged chances to level.  Eoghan Doyle restored parity with a well taken deserved goal.  Arklow continued to dominate right across the park, and then took the lead through Willie Maughan.  Wicklow Town replied immediately and the first half ended level two goals apiece.  Aaron O'Toole was introduced at the start of the second half and no one was prepared for the impact he would make.  Arklow Town continued to play some attractive football and Eoghan Doyle fired home his second goal of the game, an excellent finish.  Town had gained a lead they would not relinquish.  Aaron O'Toole then went on to score one of the most audacious of hat tricks.  He started to unleash his right foot with deadly effect.  Of the three the best was an exquisite goal where he lobbed the ball over the Wicklow goalkeeper from close to the corner flag.  The Arklow defence were magnificent during the match with Jamie Redmond putting in a man of the match performance.  Wicklow Town scored their third goal late on in the game when the match was was well and truly over as a contest.  A fabulous team performance from each and every player and a perfect start to the Shield campaign.

Jan 30 Orchard take the pickings with early goal to knock out Town
A valiant effort from a strong Arklow Town side was not enough to deny last season's Menton Seery Cup winners Cherry Orchard a place in the last 16 of this year's Norton Cup and a step closer to back to back national titles.  The Wickow side with home advantage quietly fancied their chances of making a bold announcement on the national stage and welcomed the challenge.  However they found themselves in arrears after just five minutes with the DDSL side profiting from a free kick on the edge of the Arklow area to nudge ahead.  Arklow began to settle on the quarter hour and through lively midfielder Tomás Farrell they almost levelled with defender Leslie Sharpe rising highest from a Farrell cross to see his powerful header cleared off the line.  Daniel O'Hare went close in the early stages of the second half with a shot just narrowly wide of the Cherry Orchard post.  The Dublin side were a continual threat in attack with Arklow's defensive unit working immensely hard to hold and create counter attacking play of their own.  In the latter stages of the game the tension rose with the contest finely poised, the home team almost grabbed a sensational equaliser in the last minute of the game when substitute Aaron Healy went on a forty yard run and as he was about to pull the trigger to bring the tie into extra time he was denied by a superb block from a Dublin defender.  The DDSL side now advance to the last 16 with the scent of another national title very much in the air while Town rue an exit from the National Cup at the same stage now for two seasons running.

Jan 23 Jekyll and Hyde performance falls short
A disappointing day for Town's 12B team with a 2-1 reverse at home to Carnew A in their opening WDSL Shield Division 1 Group A clash at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Though missing one or two players Town still fielded a strong side and looked the better team for long spells.  However, it was one of those days where control was lacking and passes as the wrong moment went astray, for both sides.  Arguably the home side posed the greater threat in front of goal though neither keeper was truly tested.  Vitally, Carnew struck the first blow in the early stages of the second half, catching Town on the break and finishing well.  Town gave themselves a mountain to climb when conceding a second goal in similar fashion minutes later.  To end on a positive they tried hard to drag themselves back into the game, enjoying their best period of play and when Garrett Kenny smashed home one of his now trademark free kicks from outside the area hope was renewed.  Sadly though time was up and Town open their Shield campaign with a home defeat.

Dec 19 Too easy for Town
After their successful qualification from the South Leinster region of the SFAI U12 Norton Cup, Town 12A’s returned to domestic league action earlier today, completely demolishing a very weak Greystones United A on a 10-0 scoreline.  As if their task was not already difficult enough, the visitors could only muster 10 players and offered no resistance to Town at any stage of the game.  Town notched their first goal in the 5th minute when Shane Beevor played Josh Moody through and the midfielder beat two defenders and slotted home with ease.  Industrious midfielder Tomás Farrell scored a cracking goal in the 18th minute, his 25 yard drive rebounding off the post and going in off the keeper.  Right sided midfielder Daniel O'Hare, who worked tirelessly throughout scored a brace before half time, one off each foot, to leave the scoreline at 4-0 at the break.  Marauding right back Christopher O'Brien, who put in a man of the match performance in the number 2 shirt, played a superb through in the 35th minute and the follow on pass from Daniel O'Hare was en route to goal courtesy of a shot from Aaron Healy only for the 'Stones keeper to push the shot away for a corner.  Healy was not to be denied however and he scored a fine solo goal in the 36th minute and then again five minutes later he tfired in a corner kick which Farrell netted, Town's sixth.  O'Brien earned his just reward for his display with Town's seventh goal following a cross by O'Hare and Dáire O'Conchubhair was in the right place in the 48th minute to finish Farrell’s cross from the byline, the home side's 8th goal.  O'Hare completed his hat trick in the 50th minute and Patrick Dempsey completed the ten goal rout one minute later before the referee brought a premature end to the game in the 52nd minute, by agreement with both team managers.  The squad wish a speedy recovery to Mark Keenan who unfortunately broke his ankle in a GAA match recently and looks like being out of action until mid to late Jan 2010.

Dec 19 B team increase the heat at the top
Illness reduced Town's 12B team to just ten starting players for the first five minutes in this game versus Rathnew A at Shamrock Park earlier today.  Matters improved in the fifth minute with the arrival and introduction of Chris Flood, himself arriving from a delayed trip to the doctor!  Perhaps his arrival was apt as he more than played his part as the floodgates opened and Town showed a clinical touch in front of goal that increases their healthy position near the top of the division!  The work that the lads have put into training all season was evident today with first half goals from Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Corey Mills (2), Aaron Kelly and Peter Sherwood ensuring a five star performance from the Black and Whites.   Darting runs from Mills and Micheál Hudson down both wings with sublime crosses created chance after chance for the front men but it was midfielder Stephen McElligott-Ryan who opened the scoring.  The second was added by Corey Mills who worked tirelessly all game.  Other chances came and went but the Town side settled with going in five goals to the good at half time.  The second half was more of the same with two goals from Chris Flood and a second for Aaron Kelly.  Frontman Darren Dempsey got in on the act with a fine finish and then right back Paul Ryan smashed home a screamer from 20 yards on the half volley to beat the Rathnew keeper.  All eleven players who crossed the white line today played good flowing football and were a credit to themselves.   Finally, it's left to the management team of Cormac, Brendan, Craig and Joe to wish all the players and parents a very Merry Chritmas and a very Happy New Year.

Dec 19 Town let lead slip
Town 12C's were left to rue what might have been after being by far the better team throughout in their WDSL Division 2 clash against Enniskerry B at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Town started in the best possible manner with an early Niall McDonald chip hitting the back of the net.  Conor Hughes quickly doubled the Arklow lead with a tidy finish.  However, the visitors replied with three unanswered strikes of their own.  The second half saw the home side dominating, laying siege to the Enniskerry goal looking for that elusive equaliser.  Enniskerry struck the cruellest of winners though with their only foray into the Arklow half late in the game leaving the home players shaking their heads in disbelief at the final whistle, their performance meriting a better reward for their efforts.  Hopefully the Christmas break will bring some lucky new boots from Santa.

Dec 12 Town through to last 32
Town’s U12A's enjoyed a relatively easy passage in their SFAI U12 Norton Cup Fourth Round clash against Abbeyleix earlier today, a 6-0 victory securing a second success over a Midlands Schoolboys League team, having disposed of neighbours Portlaoise on a 10-0 scoreline in the previous round.  Of more significance is the fact that the win takes them directly into the last 32 stage of this national competition and a glamour tie against crack DDSL side Cherry Orchard.  Apart from the fact that they have home advantage in this tie, it is undoubtedly the toughest draw Arklow could have been given as the Ballyfermot based team lifted the SFAI U11 Menton Seery Cup last season, so they are effectively playing the best team in Ireland in this age group.  Town's performances in the Norton Cup matches to date will however boost their confidence immeasurably as they have won all four games, scoring 23 goals, conceding only two goals and generally turning in very high levels of performances in all outings.  It took only 8 minutes to open the account, with Dáire O'Conchubhair and Joshua Moody both combining to set up Aaron Healy for a fine shot from just inside the box that nestled in the corner of the net.  Healy again and Patrick Dempsey both had snap shots on target in the 15th and 16th minutes respectively and it was all of 22 minutes before the home team had their first effort on target.  They built a good attack on their right hand side but the final shot that seemed destined for the net was well batted away to safety by Town’s ‘keeper William Horsman.  Whatever hope Abbeyleix had of staying in contention was spurned in the 24th minute when they were awarded a penalty after Healy was harshly adjudged to have fouled a player inside the box.  The spot kick was well taken but was superbly pushed outside the post by Horsmann and then cleared to safety by Dave Boddy.  The home team paid dearly for this miss as Town went 2-0 on the stroke of half time, Moody adding another goal to his great tally for the season.  Moody added goal number three in the 42nd minute after great combination play by Dempsey and right back Christopher O'Brien, while O'Conchubhair's solo effort in the 45th minute effectively ended the game as a contest.  Abbeyleix’s occasional incursions into Town’s half were competently dealt with by the back four, with Dave Boddy and Leslie Sharpe being ultra reliable in the two central positions.  Boddy's covering instincts and Sharpe’s distribution when on the ball were notable aspects of their play, and they were ably assisted over the 60 minutes by full backs O'Brien and Darren Beevor.  Healy, Moody and Beevor were all replaced during the second half by Tómas Farrell, Michael Kennedy and Shane Beevor, with the latter claiming the mantle of super sub on the day by scoring a further two goals in the last ten minutes of play.  Town will now take a short break over Christmas before resuming their preparations in early January for the clash against Cherry Orchard.

Dec 12 Town too hot for 'Stones

Dec 12 Lady Luck eludes Town
This was a cracking game between Wicklow Town A and Arklow Town C.  It had everything.  Great saves.  Expertly executed set pieces and one of the coolest finishes you will ever see.  The great save was a one handed stop from Town keeper Dermot Reid that defied belief.  The expertly executed set piece was a headed goal from William Maughan, from an inch perfect ball from Conor Hughes.  The cool finish came from Niall McDonald who took the ball from just outside the box and rounded a prostrate Wicklow Town goalkeeper to slot home whilst all the time being pressurised by Wicklow Town defenders.  Town were by far the better team in terms of possession and did not take the chances that were presented to them early in the match.  However Arklow opened the scoring with William Maughan finishing off a fine Arklow move.  Wicklow Town equalised with a fine home goal just before half time.  Arklow Town justifiably re-took the lead when Niall McDonald scored with a cool finish showing maturity beyond his years.  Wicklow Town quickly equalised and then gained an advantage to lead 3-2 going into the closing quarter of the match.  William Maughan then headed a well worked set piece home to bring the teams level oncemore.  Town then conceded two sucker punches while going for the win.  The Arklow defence were playing high up the pitch when Wicklow struck with two great counter attacking goals.   However, the most pleasing aspect of the match was the commitment from the team right up to the final whistle.  Great Arklow performance, wrong result.

Nov 28 Town too hot for Anto's
Town’s 12A were in sizzling hot form on a frosty morning in Kilcoole when they completely overran home team St Anthony’s A, winning by 13-0 in the end. In truth this type of game does little good for either team, particularly the Town side who have ambitions to progress in the National Cup competition where they will undoubtedly meet much sterner opposition if they get to the open draw last 36 stage. The game was effectively over after 5 minutes, by which time the visitors were 3-0 ahead. Daniel O'Hare continued his great run of recent form when he opened the scoring in the third minute. Joshua Moody scored number two in the third minute also, finishing Tomás Farrell's byline cross. Dáire O'Conchubhair slipped the ball past the overworked St Anthony’s keeper for another goal in the eighth minute. The move of the match occurred in the 12th minute when Darren Beevor and Moody worked a lovely move along the left side of the attack before Moody fired home his second. Farrell was also the provider of the fifth goal, crossing from the right wing and allowing Moody to notch his hat trick, his second in two games, after netting three against Portlaoise in the Norton Cup. Aaron Healy was introduced for O'Conchubhair after the break and he made an immediate impact, scoring two fine goals in the 31st and 44th minutes. Liam Scales also came off the bench and he performed really well on the left side of midfield, showing great distribution skills when on the ball and also capping a great 30 minutes with two excellent goals, both of which he made himself. Daniel O'Hare scored his second mid way through the second half before man of the match Farrell thundered into the game again in the last quarter and scored an excellent hat trick, his first since being promoted from the 12B team. Town now await the winners of the Abbeyleix (Midlands SL) v Dalkey (South Dublin SL) Norton Cup match, and as this Fourth Round SFAI Norton Cup game is at home, they will be buoyed with confidence after this performance and will be expected to overcome this hurdle and ensure their name is in the bowl for the open draw last 36 phase.

Nov 28 Setback for B team
This was, as the cliche goes, the game of two halves. With Arklow starting off slow Carnew took full advantage of the lacklustre effort. Their opening goal was no fault of anyone but the Carnew ground staff, when a poorly marked box lead Town keeper to cross what should have been a white line outlining the area, resulting in a free kick for the home side. In fairness to the taker he slotted it home beautifully into the top corner. Their second goal was a ball that should have been cleared easily but resulted in the home side being given a penalty when Carnew's forward seemed to clip his own heels. However the referee saw it differently pointing to the spot, duly converted. Unfortunately the wheels then well and truly came off with poor defensive errors and little team spirit in evidence. Town's lack of willingness to roll up their sleeves and fight for each other was the order of the day as another defensive lapse resulted in a Carnew attacker driving home a third goal for the home team. They soon made it 4-0, when a corner was not properly cleared by Town and the ball was somehow bundled over the line. Town then switched to playing 3-4-3 and they looked a different side in the second half. Five minutes into the half Corey Mills fired home, to give Town hope of a comeback. When Garrett Kenny then drove home a free kick from distance the team began to visibly believe they could get something out of the game. With just eight minutes to go another terrorising run from Corey Mills down the right ended with a home defender putting into his own net after Mills drove across a dangerous ball. Carnew then parked the bus in front of their goal and credit to the the Town side who tried valiantly to find the equaliser. Keeper Brendan Byrne showed his class with a fantastic double save from point blank range as Carnew broke upfield. Town were afforded one last chance in the dying seconds, another free kick from distance from Garrett Kenny. However, the home keeper atoned for his earlier mistake saving well this time from Kenny's well struck effort.

Nov 7 Facile win for Town in Portlaoise
The expected tough challenge from Portlaoise in the SFAI U12 Norton Cup never materialized for Arklow Town’s 12A team at a rain swept Portlaoise, with the visitors recording a facile 10-0 victory over the Midlands Schoolboy League side.  Joshua Moody was the hero for Town on the day, with his first half hat trick and overall performance setting the tone for Town’s power packed performance.  This was one of Arklow's best performances all season and the management team of PJ Furlong and Dave Boddy will now be very confident heading into their 4th round clash (at home against Dalkey or Abbeyleix), a win there sending the team into the last 36 open draw for a second successive season.  Town showed their intent from the kick off in this game, with Dáire O'Conchubhair and Patrick Dempsey both having good efforts just wide of the target in the opening 5 minutes.  The floodgates open in the 11th minute when Daniel O'Hare set up Moody for his first goal, and Mark Keenan was the provider 5 minutes later when his cross was delightfully chipped over the Portlaoise keeper by Moody for his second goal.  Town had to substitute both Aaron Healy (knee injury) and Dave Boddy (Flu) in the first half but their able deputies Tomás Farrell and Christopher O'Brien both played extremely well when introduced.  Farrell in fact got on the scoring sheet 8 minutes after his introduction when he got on to the end of a three man move on the right side of the attack and swept the ball home past the Portlaoise keeper.  Moody put the result beyond doubt on the stroke of half time with a fine goal to seal his hat trick that left Town comfortably ahead on a 4-0 score line at the break. Portlaoise's only real effort on goal was in the first minute of the second half when a shot that seem destined for the roof of the net was tipped over the bar brilliantly by William Horsman.  That save set the tone for the second half, and as the home team began to wilt in the driving rain, Town pressed forward on every occasion and added another 6 goals courtesy of Patrick Dempsey (2), Darren Furlong, Leslie Sharpe, Dáire O'Conchubhair and Darren Beevor.  Shane Beevor also came off the bench in the second half and he added further impetus to Town’s attacks as they made it a day to forget for the home team.

Nov 7 Width of a crossbar denies Town
A case of what might have been for Town's 12C team, going down 3-2 to high-flying Roundwood A at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  A frenetic opening to the game saw the visitors smacking a shot off Town's crossbar inside the first four minutes.  The home team countered and Conor Hughes was unlucky to see his effort roll agonisingly wide of the post after a fabulous through ball from the hard working Ryan McDonald.  Roundwood opened the scoring with their next attack, the home team guilty of not clearing loose ball.  However, they atoned with a fine equaliser from Niall McDonald, coolly finishing with a lofted effort over the Roundwood keeper.  McDonald was lively all game showing an array of nice touches and alert at all times.  Town keeper Dermot Reid pulled off a number of fine stops in the first half but even he was unable to deny the visitors two further goals before the break.  In the second half, playing against a strong wind, Town knuckled down and began to play at times some lovely football.  Harrison Penn became increasingly instrumental in most of Town's better moves while Jamie Carty and Charlie Scales were tireless as Town drove to get back into the game.  Conor Hughes, always a threat for Town, fired home Arklow's second from the left edge of the area, setting up a big finish, with Town firmly on top.  In the closing minutes Town created a fine opening after excellent work on the right flank from both Eoghan Doyle and Niall McDonald.  McDonald whipped across an excellent ball finding Aaron O'Toole bursting into the area.  O'Toole met the ball first time but his sweetly hit drive unbelievably crashed off the bar.  O'Toole then headed homewards with the rebound but somehow Roundwood scrambled it away to safety, and the three points.

Images from today's game:

Oct 31 Top of the table clash ends in stalemate
A compelling top of the table clash between Enniskerry A and Arklow Town B ended all square at a sunny Ballyman Road earlier today, the 1-1 scoreline ensuring that the chase for the WDSL U12 Division 1 league title has a few twists and turns before the outcome is clear.  Enniskerry A with three wins from their previous home fixtures were keen to impress against an Arklow Town side that has performed strongly on their travels, with two wins from their previous two away fixtures, at fellow title chasers Wicklow Rovers and Ashford respectively.  Both sides opened tentatively with the visitors acutely gaining an upper hand after the opening fifteen minutes.  Chances were few and far between in a first half that flowed from end to end.  The home side were rocked when Town midfielder Corey Mills powered home a classic header to put the Arklow side ahead with half time looming.  Enniskerry regrouped after the restart and as expected from league leaders they began to ask questions of a strong Arklow defence, ably marshalled by duo Garrett Kenny and Joseph Ledwith in the centre.  The visitors searched for a crucial second goal, forward Darren Dempsey close on a number of occasions to finding that elusive second goal.  Six minutes from time the sides were level, with Enniskerry equalising from the penalty spot after an Arklow defender was adjudged to have handled in the area.  Town keeper Brendan Byrne, enjoying a fine game, was unable to deny a well taken spot kick.  Arklow rallied in the closing stages, forcing the home side into a desperate defensive rearguard action and going close to snatching all three points with two goalmouth scrambles somehow being cleared.  However, a 1-1 result was a fair outcome to an intriguing meeting of the top two sides, and though they have to face each other again this season, both sides are keenly aware of the challenge from the chasing pack.  In summary, the draw proved to be a fitting result, for both sides, and another fine advertisement for WDSL schoolboy football.

Oct 25 Magnificent Seven from Super Town
Ever wonder how Paddy Power and other bookmakers earn their keep?  Take today's fixture at Ballyman Road for example.  The home team, Enniskerry B, lying second in Division 2 just three points behind leaders Coolboy A, welcoming Town's 12C team, still to get off the mark after four defeats from four outings thus far this season.  A home banker?  Perhaps.  Well, if so, no one told Arklow Town 12C!  Quite simply, Town were stunning, right from the off, and thoroughly deserved to upset their fancied hosts.  Town's platform for success lay in midfield, a solid workmanlike effort from Ryan McDonald, Jamie Carty, William Maughan and Jamie Redmond.  They worked hard all game and Carty in particular allowed nothing to pass.  If it did, and those occasions were few and far between, then the back four dealt with it accordingly.  In a first half goal blitz that will do wonders for confidence Conor Hughes set the ball rolling with an excellent finish.  Further goals from Ryan McDonald, Niall McDonald and William Maughan gave Town a 4-1 half time lead and they were not to look back.  As expected from good teams, the home side rallied in the opening stages of the second half, seeking a route back into the game.  An early goal gave them hope but Town responded with a fifth, Conor Hughes netting his second.  Harrison Penn added a sixth and then to round a perfect team performance Aaron O'Toole coolly fired home a seventh from the penalty spot to secure an excellent 7-3 win for Town.

Oct 17 Town prove too strong for Kingswood
Arklow Town 12A’s claimed their second National Cup scalp today when they enjoying a very comfortable 5-1 win over South Dublin SDFL side Kingswood FC (Tallaght) in the SFAI U12 Norton Cup.  Town now advance into the third round and will be hoping to oncemore reach the open draw, and the last 32 stage, the point at which they exited the SFAI U11 Menton Seery Cup last season.  Town dominated their Tallaght opponents from the start of this game with Aaron Healy and Josh Moody both having half chances in the first 5 minutes that were narrowly wide.  Kingswood took a surprise lead, completely against the run of play, in the 6th minute when a shot from the edge of the box looped over the head of William Horsman. As it transpired, this was the visitors’ sole effort on goal for the remaining 54 mins and Horsman only had kick outs and back passes to occupy him for the remainder of the match.  Moody, Darren Furlong and Dáire O'Conchubhair all peppered the Kingswood goal with efforts over the next 10 minutes before the equaliser duly arrived in the 20th minute.  Healy worked hard to win a free outside the box and Darren Furlong took one of his now trademark free kicks that flew straight under the crossbar beyond the reach of the Kingswood keeper.  Town went on to force a succession of corners, one of which almost led to a second goal when Darren Beevor’s header flashed off the post before being cleared by the visitors defence.  The result was put beyond doubt in the two minutes leading up to the half time whistle when first Leslie Sharpe stayed forward in an advanced position and lobbed the keeper from distance for Town's second goal, and Josh Moody scored a third on the stroke of half time with a fine header from 5 yards out.   On the resumption, Town continued to create chances, on the left flank through good combination play from Moody and Beevor and also on the right side where full back Mark Keenan regularly set up attacking opportunities for winger Daniel O'Hare.  Arklow’s subs also contributed to the victory, and from one snap shot from Thomas Farrell (on for Healy), Town forced a corner which Furlong took and O'Conchubhair headed home for the 4th goal.  The 5th and final goal was a fine individual effort, and it came courtesy of a great 50 metre run by O'Hare which saw him slide home a fabulous goal past the Kingswood keeper.  This was a solid performance by the home team and while they did not reach the heights of performamce they exhibited on previous occasions, they can still look forward with a high level of confidence to the 3rd round regional match, this time likely to be an away fixture.  Christopher O'Brien has been struggling with a knee injury for the past number of weeks and his team mates wish him a speedy recovery.

Elsewhere, the U12B team journeyed early to face a very strong Athy Town side at Aldridge Park in Athy, spirits high after a good start to the season.  However, despite some genuinely excellent performances from players like Jack Hennessy and John O'Halloran it was not to be Town's day, beaten by a better team on the day.  Indeed, the home side are unbeaten for almost one year now, serving only to highlight the tough ask for Town's 12B's.  Still, not the best performance we'll see from the team and all concerned will be hoping to see an immediate return to form when next out in WDSL league action next weekend.

Disappointment too for the 12C's with defeat at home at Bridgewater Centre Park against Coolboy A.  Town started the first half the better team with Conor Hughes rattling the left upright of the Coolboy goal.  Aaron O'Toole playing as a centre back put in a great performance.  However late in the half Arklow Town failed to deal with a simple corner and were punished. Coolboy scored and finished the half a goal up.  The home side feeling a little unlucky went a further goal down after the restart.  Coolboy kept pressing and were soon dominating play adding a further 3 goals.  In the one bright spell of the game Harrison Penn made a great run through the Coolboy defence and was brought down in the box with Aaron O'Toole coolly dispatching the resulting penalty with confidence.  Coolboy finished off the game with a further goal to round off an impressive performance.

Oct 11 First half blitz puts Town on top
In what is already shaping up to be a very tight division, Arklow Town B went to the top of the league with a decisive 3-1 win at previous leaders Ashford Rovers earlier today.  The visitors were inventive in their play from the very first whistle.  Paul Ryan, working well out wide left, found Aaron Kelly in space on the edge of the Rovers area but Healy's drive went narrowly wide.  In the ninth minute Ryan played in frontman Darren Dempsey and he finished well with a good strike.  Three minutes later Town doubled their lead.  A fabulous run down the right wing by Micheál Hudson, the winger beating three players before being fouled on the edge of the area.  The Ashford keeper saved well but he was unable to hold the ball, and Darren Dempsey was first to react, heading home the rebound his and Arklow's second goal.  Seven minutes before half time the visitors went further ahead.  Stephen McElligott-Ryan burst through the centre of the Ashford defence before unleashing an unstoppable effort into the right corner.  Ashford rallied in the second half and though at times frustrated they deserved their consolation goal in the closing five minutes, with Town slow to clear a loose ball in the area.  Two outstanding saves in the last minute from Town keeper Brendan Byrne ensured the Town team went to the top of the division.

Images from the game:

Also playing away today, the 12A team travelled to Newtown for an early season top of the table clash with the home team and putting on a fabulous display the team emerged comfortable winners, 4-1 the final scoreline.  Dáire O'Conchubhair opened the scoring for Town with a nice finish.  Patrick Dempsey netted twice for Town with Shane Beevor rounded off a good performance with an excellent right footed finish.  Daniel O'Hare and Mark Keegan were immense for Town and a satisfying performance sets up the team well for next week's home Norton Cup Second Round clash versus Kingswood.

Oct 10 Heartbreak for Town
A cruel defeat for Town's 12C team at the Leisure Centre earlier today with visitors Wicklow Town A stealing all three points on offer with a dramatic last minute winner.  A proverbial game of two halves, with a dominant Wicklow Town threatening to score with every attack in the first half.  However, the home team held out and it paved the way for a highly entertaining second half.  Jamie Redmond netted for the home team but his goal was ruled out, adjudged to be offside.  Wicklow Town made a breakthrough when Arklow failed to clear.  The home team pressed for a leveller, going close on a number of occasions.  The equaliser eventually came with midfielder Harrison Penn looping a ball over the Wicklow keeper.  Late in the game with Arklow pressing for a winner the visitors broke downfield and with literally the last move of the game netted a cruel winner.

Oct 3 Town ease to victory
A good performance from Town's 12B team was well rewarded with seven goals and three points, cruising to victory over Rathnew A at the Community College.  Town had a perfect start with Darren Dempsey finding the net after just three minutes.  Micheál Hudson doubled Arklow's lead when first to react to a loose ball in the Rathnew area minutes later.  Rathnew pulled one back with Town midfielder Peter Sherwood unlucky to deflect into his own goal.  However, he soon made amends firing home at the other end.  Town upped it further still in the second half, with substitute Paul Ryan receiving a fine pass from Stephen McElligott-Ryan and firing home.  Town added a fifth through Darren Dempsey, an excellently worked move up Town's right flank, Corey Mills showing great desire up the line.  Paul Ryan drove home his second and Town's sixth and the last goal saw Tiernan Mellon not giving up on a lost ball, chasing it, keeping it in play before firing across a delightful ball for Stephen McElligott-Ryan to slot home from close range.

Town's U12C team travelled to Coolboy with just 11 players and it was always going to be a tough ask against an impressive home side.  Three first half goals did the damage though Town improved immeasurably in the second half, playing much the better football and though the final score read 4-0 in Coolboy's favour, the last thirty minutes play gives Town reason for optimism in the weeks ahead.

Sep 26 Town go forth with Furlong magic
Arklow Town U12A's overcame their first obstacle on their National Cup journey, accounting for Kildare side Clane United, in a 1-0 win at BBK. Although the margin of victory was the bare minimum, the story of the match is that Town had about 70% of the possession, forced eight corners, had about 18 efforts on goal and restricted Clane to only two worthwhile chances over the 60 minutes. The tone for the match was set in the very first minute when captain Darren Furlong burst through from midfield and shot which just past the post. Aaron Healy, who worked hard throughout, created at least three chances for himself in the opening quarter but all were either just wide or saved by Clane's tall and very impressive goalkeeper. The vital goal came in the 18th minute when Darren Furlong's well struck free kick from all of 40 metres out, taken almost on the right touchline, sailed over the keeper and into the top left hand corner of the net. The visitors' only chance in the opening half came two minutes later, when their centre forward had a good header on goal that was well saved by William Horsman. While the Town strikers left their scoring boots at home on this occasion, the foundation for the win was established by the back four in particular, with Dave Boddy, Leslie Sharpe, Christopher O'Brien and Darren Beevor being rock solid throughout the 60 minutes. Beevor was also the most attack conscious of the four and he made numerous forays into the attacking half of the field and linked up very well with Joshua Moody on the left flank. The second half followed the same pattern with Daniel O'Hare, Aaron Healy, Dáire O'Conchubhair, Darren Beevor and Darren Furlong all peppering the Clane goal at various stages without being able to add to their first half goal. Clane did have their only other chance one minute from time when one of their midfielders for once evaded Town’s back four but his low shot was tipped away by Horsman for a corner which was subsequently cleared.

A mere 24 hours after their Norton Cup victory, Town took up the offer of a challenge game against the Wexford U12 Development squad, a game played at the impressive grounds of Ferns FC in Wexford. Town were missing four of the regular squad and two of the U11A squad, Mikey Quigley and Liam Scales, were both promoted from the U11A's for the game. Both played extremely well and did not at all look out of place with the older age group. Three 25 minute periods were played and Town were the better side for the first period, and for long stretches of the second period also before tiredness kicked in and Wexford’s much greater squad numbers (they rotated their 25 players throughout the 75 minutes) told in the latter stages. It was 0-0 after the first 25 minutes with Town playing the far more attractive and penetrating football in this period, and they kept up this type of performance until 5 minutes before the end of the second period, when Wexford got through for two goals against the run of play. Wexford’s strength in depth told in the third period when they scored three quality goals in the space of a 10 minute blitz to race into a 5-0 lead. Town, to their credit, regained their composure and reasserted their authority in the final 15 minutes during which they scored two fine goals, courtesy of Dáire O'Conchubhair and Daniel O'Hare.

Sep 27 Frustration for C's in National Cup exit
An early and somewhat unlucky exit from the National Cup for Arklow Town's U12C team after a trip to Rathcoole ended with a 4-1 defeat.  Town had opened brightly and rocked the home team when Conor Hughes put the visitors one ahead with a well dispatched penalty.  As expected, Rathcoole rallied and began to create a number of chances.  Controversy though, with half time approaching, when the home side were afforded a corner kick after the ball had appeared to go off a home player. To rub salt into the wounds the home team scored from the following corner.  Again, in the second half, Town felt harshly treated when an apparent foul on a Town player was ignored by the referee and Rathcoole took the lead.  Town were reduced to ten players in the immediate aftermath.  Rathcoole went 3-1 ahead with a well worked move and added a fourth late in the game, with Town's claims of a foul on the keeper being waived away.  However, Town carried on, showing a lot of resilience and though exiting the National Cup the final scoreline bore no true reflection on the game itself.

Sep 26 Magnificent Seven from Town
Town's U12B team opened their SFAI Norton Cup campaign with a thoroughly convincing 7-2 victory over SDFL side Esker Celtic B at Bridgewater Centre Park today.  Town's overall performance was matched only by glorious sunshine, with the team taking the game to the visitors right from the off.  Corey Mills epitomised Town's belief with an outstanding display, resulting in the player creating a number of goals for the home side as well as going close himself.  Darren Dempsey proved clincial in front of goal, firing home two in the first half.  His first goal was a well worked move, with Aaron Kelly winning possession in the middle of the park.  Kelly then found Peter Sherwood and he showed good awareness to find Corey Mills out wide.  Mills cut inside two defenders before finding Dempsey and the frontman drilled home from just inside the area.  Dempsey's second goal was similar, with Matthew O'Neill heavily involved, finding Mills again out wide.  Again, Mills found Demspey in space inside the Esker penalty box and Dempsey coolly slotted home underneath the advancing keeper.  The visitors pulled one back late in the half but Town responded quickly, to restore the two goal advantage, with Stephen McElligott-Ryan picking up a loose ball in midfield and driving past three defenders he then buried his shot on goal past the keeper.  Darren Dempsey completed his hat trick in the fifth minute of the second half and he soon followed that up with his fourth goal, Town's fifth, as the result was put beyond the visitors.  Credit though to Esker as they scored a second goal but any hope of a revival was put to bed with McElligott-Ryan grabbing his second and Town's sixth, again the scoring opportunity created by Corey Mills.  Town's day was capped when defender Joseph Ledwith drove home a free kick from distance, through the Esker wall and into the bottom corner.

Sep 19 Too easy for Town
Arklow Town U12A's recorded their second successive nine goal victory, strolling past the challenge of Greystones in the second league game of the new season earlier today. Following their 10-1 win over Wicklow Rovers A the previous week, Town's midfielders and strikers had their scoring boots on once again, as four different players found the net over the course of the 60 minutes. Greystones lost a number of their key players from last season and the team that took the field on Saturday were unable to cope with the incessant pressure applied by their visitors. Town almost took the lead as early as the 5th minute but Leslie Sharpe’s headed goal was disallowed for an apparent offside and Daniel O Hare, Dáire O'Conchubhair and Aaron Healy also had a number of very good efforts over the following 10 minutes of play. The breach was finally broken in the 15th minute when Healy fired home after being put through by O'Conchubhair. A lot of Arklow’s attacks were built on the right flank, and from one such attack O'Hare and Darren Furlong combined well to set up an easy chance for Healy to score his second from 5 yards out. The game was effectively over after 18 minutes when O'Conchubhair lobbed the keeper from inside the box for goal number three, and the same player added number four three minutes later when his delicate chip from the edge of the box evaded the outstretched arms of the Greystones keeper. O'Hare maintained his great goal scoring record this season when he netted goal number five in the 25th minute and O'Conchubhair completed his hat trick on the stroke of half time when he availed of a poor kick out to slide the ball into the net for the sixth goal. Greystones had only sporadic attacks in the first half but Dave Boddy and Leslie Sharpe dealt competently with anything that came their way, ably assisted by Christopher O'Brien and Michael Kennedy on the flanks. The pattern in the second period was similar to the first with Town dominating play and creating numerous chances, three of which were converted into goals. O'Conchubhair and O'Hare scored the seventh and eighth goals in the 35th and 37th minutes respectively before Tómas Farrell repeated his super sub performance of the previous week by coming on in the 40th minute and scoring the final goal, Town's ninth, with a thunderbolt shot from 30 yards out that dipped in under the home keeper’s crossbar. The score line was very positive on Saturday but more importantly the performance was also very positive and this is the type of performance that will be required next weekend when Town face much tougher opposition in the shape of Kildare SL team Clane United. in the first round of the U12 Norton Cup.

Sep 19 Keeper turns poacher at Whitegates as Mellon secures the points
A dramatic contest between Wicklow Rovers B and Arklow Town B at Whitegates ended with keeper turned supersub striker Tiernan Mellon stealing all three points for the visitors in a dramatic 2-1 win in this WDSL U12 Division 1 clash.  The home side began confidently, dominating for long spells in the opening half.  Though creating a good number of chances Rovers were wasteful in front of goal, with Arklow keeper Brendan Byrne by far the busier keeper.  Joseph Ledwith and Aaron Kelly showed great composure in defence for an under strength Arklow, still without injured pair Garrett Kenny and Paul Ryan.  The visitors gained momentum and confidence from their rearguard defiance and with the introduction of Matthew O'Neill as a half time substitution they began to play a more attractive passing game, rocking the home team by taking a lead through the tireless Micheál Hudson, getting on the end of a flowing Arklow move to slide home past the advancing Wicklow keeper.  The sides were soon level however with Rovers finally converting one of their goalscoring opportunities, to set up a grandstand finish.  Arklow rallied and in truth dominated the closing stages, with Corey Mills and John O'Halloran just two of Arklow's unsung heroes on the day, working to create an opening.  That opening came with just three minutes remaining.  Tiernan Mellon, better known for his endeavour between the posts, had been introduced upfront towards the latter stages of the match, and causing havoc in the Wicklow defence he managed to get on the end of a cross from Micheál Hudson to fire home a dramatic winner for Arklow Town, much to the delight of his team mates.

Sep 13 Mixed bag for 12's on the opening weekend
Varying levels of success for our three Under 12 teams this weekend, with victory for the U12A's, a share of the spoils for the U12B's and a narrow reverse for the U12C's.  Town's B team were alone in action at Bridgewater Centre Park, facing the challenge of a resolute Carnew team.  Town started poorly allowing the opposition to settle and dictate matters.  Town fell behind in the tenth minute when allowing the Carnew number 10 to head home unchallenged from a central position inside Town's area, after a corner had been whipped in from the right wing.  Town's woes were doubled just two minutes later when again the home side were dispossessed in midfield.  The visitors broke quickly and the finish was one of quality, despite the best effort of Town keeper Brendan Byrne.  Town did come more into the game and pulled a goal back before half time after excellent play saw Stephen McElligott-Ryan beating a number of players before coolly placing beyond the Carnew keeper.  Joe Ledwith went close to levelling with an audacious free kick from all of forty yards out, his strike beating the keeper but going also agonisingly wide.  Town's improvement in the second half was immense but despite Town's industry and control they could not level.  Substitute Liam Scales came off the bench and offered Town an extra option out wide left, which was rewarded with just ten minutes remaining, Scales firing across the keeper from the edge of the area to draw the teams level.  Town went close to gaining all three points in the closing minutes as they laid siege on the Carnew goal.

The U12A team travelled to BBK out in Brittas for their first "home" league game of the season, welcoming Wicklow Rovers A and with a 10-1 mauling of Rovers it proved to be a perfect start to the league campaign.  After a string of impressive performances during the summer at the Foyle Cup in Derry and the Spooner Ryan tournament in Templemore, it came as no surprise that Dave Boddy’s outfit hit the ground running in their first league encounter of the 2009/2010 season.  Town applied a lot of pressure early on with Joshua Moody, Aaron Healy and Christopher O'Brien all having efforts on goal.  The pressure told on an overworked Wicklow defence in the 18th minute when O'Brien’s throw in on the right touchline was played into the path of flying winger Daniel O'Hare by Dáire O'Conchubhair, and the former pulled the ball back onto his left foot before unleashing an unstoppable shot past the visiting keeper.  Despite the incessant pressure Town were unable to add to their one goal haul before the referee blew the whistle for half time.   It was a different story in the second half however as Town's fluent passing game tore Wicklow to shreds and they could well have amassed a bigger total than 10 goals had they taken all their chances.  Sub Darren Beevor played a fine through ball for O'Conchubhair to beat two defenders and the keeper for the second goal inside the opening sixty seconds.  Two minutes later O'Hare turned provider after he took Healy’s pass to set up Moody for the third goal.  Healy himself capped a fine overall performance with a cracking shot from 18 metres in the 35th minute to leave the score 4-0 while another second half sub Tómas Farrell went on a brilliant 50 metre run to score a fantastic individual goal in the 45th minute. Farrell was promoted from the ‘B’ team this season and has blended in very well to the team's system of play in his last few outings.  The versatile Patrick Dempsey moved from midfield to a more forward role with 10 minute left and he then got onto the score sheet with a delicate chip over the Wicklow goalkeeper for Town’s 6th goal.  Wicklow scored a consolation goal from a corner in the 51st minute but this only served to prompt Town into another wave of attacks and in the last six minutes of play they scored another 4 goals, with O'Conchubhair netting his hat trick with two more strikes, and O'Hare getting his second.  Midfield dynamo Darren Furlong completed the 10 goal rout with a header from a Farrell corner in the 58th minute, ideal preparation for their SFAI Norton Cup First Round clash at home to Kildare side Clane United in a fortnight's time.

Arklow Town's U12C team travelled to the Vartry Grounds in Roundwood and were unfortunate to end on the wrong end of a 3-1 reverse.  Town made the worst possible start, conceding with Roundwood's very first attack.  However, Town increasingly came into the game and though finding their feet were a little unlucky to go into the break 2 goals down.  Town showed greater composure in the second half, rewarded with almost immediate effect after Conor Hughes cleverly found Niall McDonald behind the home defence.  McDonald too showed great awareness to find Aaron O'Toole and he slid the ball home from close range.  Town pressed for a leveller but were undone with a late free kick ensuring Roundwood opened with a win.

Aug 22 Town triumph at Spooner Ryan Tournament
Arklow Town’s U12A team for the upcoming season travelled down to Templemore in County Tipperary to participate in the Spooner Ryan invitational Tournament.  The team continued its great form of the Foyle Cup by winning this tournament at their very first attempt.  The tournament is hosted by the Templemore Schooboys Football Club, who play in the North Tipperary SL, and the tournament is held in the honour of one of the great stalwarts of the club, Jimmy ‘Spooner’ Ryan. At the opening address to the team and supporters, Chairman Jim Fogarty referred to the great work done by Jimmy Ryan up to the time of his death in 2001 and he also dedicated this years tournament to another club stalwart, Mick Fennell, who also passed away recently at the young age of 39 years.  Town were drawn in a four team group including Clonmel (South Tipperary SL), Avenue Utd (Clare SL) and Corinthians (Cork SL).

Arklow Town V Clonmel Town
Town got off to a good start with Aaron Healy and Daniel O'Hare both having shots on target in the opening minutes. They dominated the game from the outset and deservedly took the lead in the 17th minute when O'Hare put Dáire O'Conchubhair through to score the opening goal of the match.  Clonmel almost equalized in the 20th minute but Patrick Dempsey put in a great tackle on Clonmel’s centre forward to avert any danger.  Shane Beevor scored goal number 2 in the 22nd minute after a great run that took him past two defenders, and Town then went into the break with a two goal cushion. The result was put beyond all doubt seven minutes into the second period when Darren Dempsey, promoted from the B squad for the day, scored a great goal after good approach work by Michael Kennedy.  The final score was 3-0 to Arklow Town.

Arklow Town V Avenue United
Town got off to another great start in their second match against the Ennis side and impressive midfielder O'Hare scored from the penalty spot in the first minute after he was fouled inside the box.  Town conceded a sloppy goal in the 10th minute after hesitancy in defence.  O'Hare restored their lead in the 18th minute finishing well after a run along the right touchline.  The game appeared to be wrapped up on the stroke of half time when Aaron Healy got on the end of a Darren Dempsey pass to net, leaving it 3-1 in Town’s favour.  A degree of complacency crept into Town’s play after the resumption and Avenue scored two goals in quick succession to bring the score line to 3-3.  However Town refocused for the last 15 minutes and Patrick Dempsey pushed them 4-3 ahead with a great individual goal with 10 minutes left, and Darren Dempsey sealed a 5-3 win with his second goal of the tournament with just 5 minutes left on the clock.

Arklow Town v Corinthians
Arklow met their toughest opposition of the day when they faced Cork side Corinthians in the final and the omens were not good when they went one down after only three minutes of play.  However they showed their fighting qualities when Aaron Healy scored his second of the day, receiving a good ball from Darren Furlong and then netting in the 7th minute to level the scores.  Michael Kennedy added a second for Town in the 20th minute after great approach play by Darren Beevor and Darren Furlong.  However, the 2-1 lead was short-lived as the Cork side made in 2-2 with a fine goal in the 22nd minute.  The second half was an extremely tense 25 minutes as both sides searched for an advantage and it looked like it would take a penalty shoot out to separate the sides. However manager Dave Boddy introduced O'Conchubhair as a substitute with 8 minutes left and in the last minute of normal time the substitution paid off as he beat three defenders before slotting past the Corinthians ‘keeper for the winning goal.  The final score was 3-2 in Arklow Town’s favour and the cup was presented to Town captain Darren Furlong by Templemore Chairman Jim Fogarty after the match.  This was an extremely worthwhile pre-season tournament for Town as they face into a new WDSL and National Cup season, and the performances of Dave Boddy, Darren Furlong, Darren Beevor, Christopher O'Brien and Patrick Dempsey in particular give great confidence that they can match or even better their 08/09 season trophy haul in the 09/10 season.

Aug 10 Squad listings for season 2009/10
The following are the team selections for the new season, 2009/10.  The team selections listed below have been based on the recent club trials, Mini World Cup tournament (where applicable), club summer camp and other tournaments involving Town sides.  Manager assessments from season 2008/09 have also been taken into consideration, with the squad selections being made in an open and honest manner.

Squad Details - Season 2009/10

U12A
David Boddy, Joshua Moody, Patrick Dempsey, Leslie Sharpe, Dáire O'Conchubhair, Darren Furlong, Michael Kennedy, Christopher O'Brien, Aaron Healy, Darren Beevor, Shane Beevor, Tomás Farrell, Mark Keenan, William Horsman, Daniel O'Hare.
Managers:  David Boddy, PJ Furlong.

U12B
John Paul Hurley, Stephen McElligott-Ryan, Cliona Crammond, Aaron Kelly, Matthew O'Neill, Tiernan Mellon, Darren Dempsey, Peter Sherwood, Corey Mills, Garrett Kenny, Joseph Ledwith, Jack Hennessy, Micheál Hudson, Christopher Flood, Paul Ryan, John O'Halloran, Brendan Byrne.
Managers:  Brendan Kenny, Cormac O'Toole.

U12C
Aaron O'Toole, Jay Wolohan, Quentin O'Reilly, Harry Nuzum, Eoghan Doyle, Conor O'Brien, Aaron Quinn, Harrison Penn, Gavin Ward, Charlie Scales, Niall McDonald, Conor Hughes, Jamie Carty, Ryan McDonald, William Maughan, Jamie Redmond, William Howe, Max Moriarty, Dermot Reid, Jack Hamilton.
Managers:  Pat Quinn, David Howe.