June 7 Town land Double in style
A thorough performance from Town's 13A's in today's WDSL U13 Premier Shield Final versus Wolfe Tone A ended with Town landing a deserved Shield and Cup double for season 2009/10. Though Wolfe Tone proved game opposition it was Town who played the better football all game, at times a joy to watch the ball being passed about with a growing confidence. Town were aided by a slight, freshening, breeze behind them in the opening half and they started well. Captain Cillian Doyle served notice of his, and Arklow's, intentions in just the fifth minute, a strong run down the left flank, cutting inside across the defender and just as he was primed to fire Town into the lead a defender's boot cleared the ball for a first Town corner kick. Fiachra O'hAnnáin went closer than most recognised with the corner kick, in-swinging from the left, going just a matter of inches wide of the back post. Town went one up in the tenth minute. Kyle Hilliard, unmarked in Town's half, won possession of the ball and from the edge of the centre circle played a precise lob into the path of frontman Keith Byrne. Byrne beat the last defender to the ball and mindful of the keeper rushing out he got a toe to the ball and steered home from the edge of the Wolfe Tone area. The Bray side tried to respond immediately but Aaron Jackson's goal remained untroubled. Ciaran O'Reilly put in one tremendous tackle that epitomised the Town team performance, out on the right wing. Town, largely dominant in the first half, almost doubled their lead with a swift move up the right flank. Good work from both Dylan Doyle and Cillian Doyle carved open the Bray side's defence, with Cillian Doyle firing over the bar. The Wolfe Tone keeper then made a great save to deny Dylan Doyle with just five minutes to the break. Five minutes into the second half Town put one hand on the Shield title with a second goal. Winger Dylan Doyle found space out right and fired across the Wolfe Tone area, with Keith Byrne primed to fire home. The Bray keeper did well to steer Byrne's effort away but it fell to Cillian Doyle. Again, the Bray keeper did well with his feet to block but the ball fell kindly for Doyle to double Town's lead, to the obvious delight of his team mates. The Bray side rallied, trying vainly to get back into the game. However, some valiant Arklow defending denied them an opening, and when called upon Aaron Jackon proved capable. Fiachra O'hAnnáin and Cormac Murphy remained composed in central defence and in front of them, in Kyle Jordan, Arklow had a player who put in an immense shift today, enabling Town time and space to play an attractive brand of football. Caelim Broughan was denied a deserved goal of his own late in the game when his drive from the edge of Wolfe Tone's area smacked off the crossbar. In the end, Town just had a little too much for a very gallant Bray side and were deserved winners.
Images from today's Shield Final success:
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May 23 Town land Premier Cup title
Town's 13A's defeated Ardmore Rovers A earlier today in their WDSL U13 Premier Cup Final clash at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. Town won 2-0 with goals from Kyle Hilliard and Fiachra O'hAnnáin. No match report.
Images from today's Final:
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Apr 24 Town ease into cup semi's with derby win
A comfortable 3-0 win at Ferndale Park over hosts Arklow United earlier today eased Town's 13A's into the Premier Cup semi final where they will face the winners of the Wicklow Rovers B v Wolfe Tone A quarter final meeting. Town were never troubled today and goals were scored by Cillian Doyle and a brace from Kyle Hilliard.
Apr 18 Heartbreak for Town from the spot
Town's 13B's were desperately unlucky earlier today not to advance to the Division One Shield Final after an increbily tight semi final with recently crowned league champions Rathnew ended in goalless stalemate and required penalties to seperate the sides. Chances had been few and far between throughout the game, with Town arguably having the better chances to edge ahead. Indeed, Town's best chance came in the last minute of normal time, a mix up in the Rathnew defence allowed Aaron Doyle through but his effort on goal went agonisingly wide of the post. Town dominated the extra time but could not convert their possession. Rathnew then winning the penalty shoot out 4-3 to advance to the Shield Final at Town's expense.
Apr 17 Town win tense encounter to reach Shield Final
A hard fought game between two very committed sides ended with Arklow Town's 13A's advancing to the Shield Final after a tense 3-2 victory over Ardmore Rovers A at Ballyman Road in Enniskerry. Town started strongly, some excellent football all over the pitch. Town struck first, in the 20th minute with Cormac Murphy hitting a hopeful lob into the area that caught the Ardmore keeper unaware, and he appeared to carry the ball over his goal line to give Town the lead. Town continued to play some nice football though were increasingly frustrated with a number of decisions going against - notably in and around the Arklow penalty area. From one such incident, Ardmore were awarded a free kick right on the edge of the D. Keeper Aaron Jackson then pulled off a magnificent double save to deny Rovers but he was unable to deny the Bray time with a following free kick from the same area just one minute later. Adrian Earls, who had worked his socks off throughout the first half, was replaced by Cillian Doyle in the second, and Doyle immediately offered Town extra impetus up front. Frustration heightened with a series of decisions from the man in the middle. Ardmore profited from a free kick to take a lead midway through the second half, with the set piece smashing off Aaron Jackson's crossbar and four Ardmore players standing in offside positions decided amongst themselves who would net their second goal. Keith Byrne replaced the injured Dylan Doyle as Town chased the game. Almost immediately he went close to levelling, getting on the end of a ball from Cillian Doyle to fire narrowly wide. Just two minutes later Doyle levelled for Town with an excellent strike. The Doyle - Byrne combination then worked well to put Town ahead. Amazingly, an astonishing fifteen minutes of added time was played before the referee blew for full time. All involved with the team would like to wish Graham Heaney a speedy recovery after he unfortunately broke his wrist in Town's last league outing. Get well soon, Graham!
Mar 28 Town ease past Rathnew to set up cup tie derby date
Goals from Keith Byrne, Dylan Doyle and Kaelim Broughan earned the spoils for Town's 13A team in their Premier Cup meeting with Rathnew A at the Leisure Centre earlier today. Town never looked in trouble and the victory now sees Town advancing to the quarter final where a short trip to Ferndale Park and Arklow United A awaits.
Mar 27 Exit from cup hard to take
A highly frustrating day for all concerned with the 13B team at Greystones United B today in their Premier Cup meeting. The match had started brightly, for both teams, with chances at either end in the opening quarter of an hour. The deadlock was broken in the 18th minute with Town's Sacha Gaffney making a surging run with the ball into the home penalty area and he remained composed as he slid the ball underneath the 'Stones' keeper. Town's lead however was short lived as Greystones equalised just three minutes later, their number 9 finishing well from close range. Town went close to regaining the upper hand with minutes remaining in the half but an excellent free kick was well saved. Disaster then right on the stroke of half time when a clearly offside Greystones attacker was allowed to fire home a lead goal for the home side. Frustration increased in the second half with a number of decisions going against the visitors and that sense of injustice was heightened when substitute Conor Dodd was flattened in the area from a stray elbow - no penalty given. Dodd was forced to leave the action with a shiner, reducing Town to ten players. Town continued to probe for an equaliser but found it hard to find an opening. The home side were then awarded a penalty with three minutes remaining, a chance to seal victory. However, stand in keeper Ross Bealin guessed right and pulled off a majestic save. Town threw bodies forward with the clock ticking and almost grabbed a leveller when a goalbound effort was agonisingly deflected wide. From the corner kick the home team countered and outnumbering the Town defence they secured passage into the quarter finals with a third goal, the last kick off what proved to be a contentious affair.
Mar 21 Double 'Stones disappointment
Having already qualified for this season's Shield semi finals there was still a measure of disappointment for Town's 13A team today with defeat away at Greystones United A. Having led through goals from Cillian Doyle and Keith Byrne, Town contrived to grab defeat from the jaws of victory. Even in defeat Town will finish on top of Group A as in the head to head clashes with Wicklow Rovers A Town enjoyed a 1-0 win at home and a share of the spoils in a 0-0 draw at Whitegates.
The 13B's were in league action against Greystones United B and though short a few players through injury and illness they still performed well against a team vying for the runners up spot in the league. Goals from Dáire O'Conchubhair, Nathan Doyle and Luke Walker proved not enough as Town were edged out on a 4-3 scoreline.
Mar 7 Steady win for Town
Another three points today with a 2-0 win at home on a badlly cut up pitch. Town started brightly with the back line looking very strong and midfield of Kyle Jordan and Kaelim Broughan running the show. Left winger Kyle Hillard was on fire with right winger Dylan Doyle equaly impressive on the other wing. Town spurned a number of glorious chances to take a deserved lead denied in the main by an excellent performance from Rovers's keeper and his back four. Town's opening goal came in the 25th minute, a ball played in from Hilliard found striker Bernard Fox and he in turn fed the ball to Kaelim Broughan who struck it home powerfully from the edge of the area. Town continued to dominate after the break and just as it looked as though Town were going to have to settle on a 1-0 scoreline they doubled their lead. Ciaran O'Reilly swung in a corner kick and then received a ball back to him from Kyle Jordan. O'Reilly then floated a high ball back into the mix and it ended up nestling in the back of the net. Both Cormac Murphy and Adrian Earls did very well upon their return to the team after recent injuries.
Mar 6 Late late heartbreak for injury hit B's
After three successive victories in Shield action, Town's 13B's returned to league action today and a visit from Division 1 champions in waiting, Rathnew A. With a number of players out injured Town drafter in from the under 12 ranks. The visitors started well and duly took a deserved lead. However Town rallied and enjoyed a good spell of pressure after the interval, creating a series of good chances. Darren Furlong levelled with a good finish but with Town pressing for a winner they were caught on the break inside the last sixty seconds, as Rathnew stole a dramatic late winner that gives them the league title. Town, with games in hand, can still make up lost ground to claim the runners up spot,
Feb 21 Town secure top spot and Shield semi place
An early Sunday morning kick off time, with Town slow out of the blocks and home side Aughrim pressing hard in the opening minutes with a couple of close calls on goal. Town though broke the deadlock in the tenth minute, a nice move down the right wing with Dáire McBride working well with Nathan Doyle before Aaron Doyle struck a well hit shot that cannoned off an Aughrim defender. McBride was first to react to the loose ball and his first time shot flew high into the top corner of the net to give Town the lead. Town enjoyed a good spell of dominance but were caught with an equaliser from the home team leaving the sides level at half time. Town were playing very well and continuing to threaten with every attack, with Nathan Doyle closest to adding a second in the early minutes of the second half. Sacha Gaffney, putting in a man of the match performance, won a challenge in the middle of the park and set off on a run for goal that took him past two defenders, jinking inside a third and then calmly slotting underneath the Aughrim keeper to restore Arklow's lead. With ten minutes remaining Olagh Redmond increased Town's lead with a deflected effort from a corner kick. Nathan Doyle added a fourth goal minutes later to seal the fine win and in truth Town had further chances in the remaining minutes. After the game it was revealed that Dáire McBride, scorer of Town's opening goal, had fractured his arm. An incident at home on Friday afternoon left Dáire with a sore arm after a fall but insisting he was okay to play against Aughrim he played a starring role for Town in the opening half before receiving a knock to his arm late in the half. Everyone's worst fears were confirmed with the news of a fracture but to line out for your team, play well and score indeed a great goal - all with a fractured arm - shows total commitment. Everyone wishes Dáire a speedy recovery, as Town progress into the semi final of this season's Shield competition.
Feb 14 Town sides put one foot into Shield semi finals
Arklow Town U13A's continued their impressive run with a good 3-2 Shield win over Greystones United A at the Leisure Centre earlier today. Cillian Doyle, absent last week at Wicklow Rovers, returned today and fired home twice for Town. Kyle Jordan netted Town's other goal with the win seeing Town remaining unbeaten after their first three games.
Nathan Doyle fired a hat trick for the 13B team in an overwhelming 4-0 win for the 13B team over Glencormac United A, also at the Leisure Centre today. Dylan Walker netted Town's other goal leaving the B team with two wins from their opening two fixtures and firmly on course for a semi final spot.
Jan 24 Majestic Doyle fires opening salvo for Town
The eagerly anticipated meeting of Arklow Town A and Wicklow Rovers A most certainly lived up to its billing as both sides served up a feast of entertaining football on a heavy pitch at the Leisure Centre in Arklow. Rovers currently sit on top of the Premier Division with a perfect record from their opening five league games and travelled the short distance to Arklow for this opening WDSL U13 Shield Premier Division Group A fixture having conceded just one goal all season. The home side however possess a growing self belief and this season have added flair in key areas to an ever developing team. Straight from the first whistle Arklow drove forward with Dylan Doyle always lively on the right flank probing for an opening. Arklow keeper Aaron Jackson then played a ball out to full back Ciaran O'Reilly who fed right winger Doyle with a precision pass. Doyle drove past his marker before threading a lovely ball through to Cillian Doyle and his shot was narrowly wide. Two minutes later Dylan Doyle went close himself with a header just wide. Defender Martin Cullen who had thwarted a good Wicklow move out on the left with a strong saving tackle just moments earlier wen close with a lobbed effort that was well saved by the Rovers keeper. Rovers went close to opening the deadlock with a shot from the edge of Arklow's area bringing out an excellent save and clearance from keeper Jackson. Despite productive endeavour from both sides the deadlock remained at the break and the game became increasingly likely to be decided, if at all, by a moment's magic. That moment duly came midway through the second half, after a spell of Wicklow pressure, with forward Cillian Doyle, back to goal, taking an excellent ball from midfield and turning on a sixpence at pace he left his marker trailing and headed for goal with a determination that epitomised his overall performance throughout. Striding past two defenders he fired home from an incredibly tight angle on the right edge of the area, the pace of his strike beating the Rovers keeper and the ball hit the far post, agonisingly so, before crossing the line and nestling in the back of Rovers' net. Rovers tried valiantly to level but Arklow's defence was supreme, with Nathan O'Neill and Fiachra O'hAnnáin impressive when needed. An excellent advert for Wicklow schoolboy/girl football.
A goal worthy of winning any game:
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Nov 28 Home win for Town
Victory for Town's 13A team at home earlier today, winning 3-0 against Wolfe Tone A. Goals from Dylan Doyle (2) and Cillian Doyle. No match report.
Nov 7 Crazy derby ends all square
Arklow Town B and Arklow United A served up a crazy hour of spills and thrills at the Leisure Centre earlier today with a ding-dong derby deadlock, sharing eight goals. Town had opened the brighter and though not wholly in control were enjoying a dominant spell of possession in and around the United area. A break in the seventh minute saw United's number 11 firing high into the top left hand corner of Cian Dodd's goal. Town were rocked within sixty seconds when the visitors were afforded a very contentious penalty, duly dispatched by the number 11 oncemore. Despite the double whammy Town's response was instant, with Luke Walker bursting through the United defence to drive home a fabulous goal. Eight minutes later the sides were level, again Walker proving too hot to handle, firing a goalbound shot that ended up in United's net after their keeper had initially done well to get a hand to it, the ball deflecting into the net off a United defender. Josh Moules fired an acrobatic volley just over the bar as Town grew in confidence. Aaron Doyle and John Annesley worked a fine move out on Town's right wing in the last minute of the half, with Dáire McBride doing well to get an effort on target. Aaron Doyle also went close before the interval with a fine header just off target. Town suffered a setback at half time with Olagh Redmond forced off through injury. Town's work ethic in the second half was excellent. Dáire McBride worked tirelessly in midfield and the central defensive pairing of Ross Bealin and Josh Moules were nothing short of superb, their efforts lifting all around them. James Colvin, as ever, gave nothing away on the right wing, making a series of timely challenges to deny United an opening on that wing. Dylan Walker, operating out wide left, linked play well between defence and attack. Luke Walker almost gave Town the lead with an effort that came crashing off the angle. Aaron Doyle was first to react to the loose ball but his drive skimmed over the bar. United again edged ahead with a goal against the run of play. Dáire McBride went agonisingly close to levelling matters with a free kick late in the game, his firm drive rising inches over the bar with the keeper well beaten. Into the last minute, a last gasp Town attack caused panic in the United area, and substitute Nathan Doyle was perfectly placed to drill home from the right angle of the area, much to his team's delight. However, the drama was only beginning, a last minute equaliser was nothing! Into whatever time the referee allowed for stoppages etc., United attacked and even though three players were caught offside play was allowed continue, and keeper Cian Dodd was helpless to prevent a fourth goal being conceded, much to the bemusement of the Town sideline. However, the final sting in the tail lay with Town and Luke Walker lashed home a speculative effort from outside the area to spark wild celebrations amongst the Town players, and a share of the spoils in a very entertaining local derby.
Images from today's game:
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4-3 down at home, with seconds remaining in a local derby game...
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Nov 7 Town too strong for Ardmore
With redevelopment of Bridgewater Centre Park home on-going, Town's 13A team faced their opening home fixture of the season at the Leisure Centre, welcoming Ardmore Rovers A on Sunday morning for a WDSL U13 Premier Division clash. Having exited the SFAI U13 Troy Cup on their last outing the home side were eager to return to winning ways against the Bray outfit. Dylan Doyle served notice of Town's intentions as early as the third minute with a forceful run down the right wing that saw Ardmore's defence scrambling to safety. The quietly effective Kyle Jordan went close five minutes later with an effort from the edge of the area narrowly wide. Moments later Cillian Doyle went closer with a fine strike and indeed he was closer still in the 13th minute, his goalbound shot blocked and cleared for a Town corner. Doyle though was not to be denied just two minutes later, powerfully heading home from close range a bullet header. Much to Town's astonishment it was deemed offside. Within two minutes though Doyle did put Arklow ahead with a drive low and hard into the bottom left hand corner after excellent work, composure and vision from defender Nathan O'Neill, sliding through to Doyle with a sublime pass. Kaelim Broughan, a thorn in Ardmore's side all game, rattled the crossbar with a free kick in the 24th minute. However, just sixty seconds later Town were thankful for Fiachra O'hAnnáin's strength and alertness at the back as Ardmore threatened to level. Two minutes before half time Town doubled their lead with Kaelim Broughan firing home a left foot drive from the edge of the Bray side's area after good work from both Cormac Murphy and Dylan Doyle. Ardmore tried hard in the second half to find a way back but their hopes were to be dashed in the 11th minute when a fierce Cormac Murphy corner kick flew directly into the net off a Bray defender. Midway through the half, an excellent move from Town, with Martin Cullen operating out wide left, saw Adrian Earls forcing the Ardmore keeper into a fabulous save. Earls proved a tireless and highly influential character in Town's midfield, continuously breaking up Ardmore's attacking play and instigating many Arklow moves. Ardmore briefly gave themselves hope with a headed goal coming from a setpiece on their left wing late in the game. Their hopes were dashed however with a fabulous Town move in the last minute, with Keith Byrne finding Kaelim Broughan with a perfectly weighted headed pass. Broughan, showing awareness, found the ever willing Dylan Doyle out on the right edge of the Ardmore area and he drilled home a deserved goal for his efforts, Town's fourth, to seal the victory.
Images from today's game:
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Oct 17 Double disappointment for 13's in Troy Cup exit
Disappointment on the double for Town's 13A and 13B sides, both exiting the SFAI Troy Cup after journeying to Tullamore Town and Clane United respectively. The 13A's quite simply never got going and were dumped out on a 4-1 reverse, with Keith Byrne netting Town's goal. The 13B's were missing a number of players and struggled, losing 5-0 at Clane United. No match reports.
Oct 11 No joy in Whitegates
Arklow Town 13A's were beaten 2-0 in Whitegates earlier today by Wicklow Rovers A. No match report.
Oct 4 Town too strong for Glencormac
A comfortable 6-0 for Town's 13B's today against Glencormac. Goals from Luke Walker, Nathan Doyle 2, Dylan Walker 2 and Aaron Doyle. No match report.
Oct 3 Town ease into next round with Rathangan demolition
Arklow Town 13A comfortably beat Rathangan FC in their SFAI Troy Cup meeting at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today, 8-0. Goals from Kaelim Broughan, Dylan Doyle 3, Cillian Doyle 3 and Cormac Murphy. No match report.
Sep 13 Town prevail in seven goal thriller
A wonderfully entertaining meeting between Aughrim Rangers A and Arklow Town B resulted in seven goals and the three points heading back to Arklow as the WDSL U13 Division 1 campaign got off to an explosive start at Aughrim's Allen Park. The visitors started strongly, laying siege on the home goal. They were rewarded in the tenth minute after a sweeping move up the right flank, good work from Daniel Skerritt and Luke Walker, before Aaron Doyle was felled in the area after a powerful run. Doyle himself took the spot kick, firing into the right hand corner. Fortune fell the way of Aughrim with an equaliser coming from a cross that looped over unfortunate Arklow keeper Lester Carroll and into the net. With half time looming Carroll was injured in Aughrim's next attack and had to leave the field of play to receive treatment. As the visiting team reshuffled their pack Aughrim made the most of their advantage, netting twice in a crazy ninety second spell right on half time, to go into the break 3-1 ahead. The Arklow side responded well in the opening exchanges in the second half. Aaron Doyle, industrious out wide right, beat three players before firing across for Dáire McBride to finish with aplomb. Town continued to pile on the pressure and with ten minutes remaining they levelled, again fine work down the Arklow right wing and again Dáire McBride perfectly placed to slot home a deserved equaliser. Arklow's winner came late in the game, Nathan Doyle whipping in a corner for the unmarked Luke Walker to fire home a left footed drive into the bottom corner.
Meanwhile, the Arklow Town U13A team were also on the road, travelling to Whitegates in Wicklow to face Wicklow Rovers B team. Town put in a fine team effort, playing some nice expansive football from the back. The two Kyles in the midfield - Jordan and Hilliard - ensured Town controlled the game from first to last whistle. Fine performances also from Fiachra O'hAnnáin, Ciaran O'Reilly, Martin Cullen, Nathan O'Neill and Cormac Murphy. Keeper Aaron Jackson was as composed as ever behind the backline. Up front Cillian Doyle was on fire. His first goal was sublime, running onto a Cormac Murphy ball over the top of the Wicklow defence, Doyle was first to react and he coolly slotted under the advancing home keeper. Doyle and fellow forward Kaelim Broughan linked up excellently throughout, with the two close to adding further goals on numerous occasions. Dylan Doyle, making his Town debut, was also excellent working on Town's right wing. Keith Byrne was alert to Cillian Doyle's run in the early stages of the second half, an he found him with a perfectly weighted pass, with Doyle going through to double Town's lead. Town spurned an opportunity late in the game to increase the lead with the Rovers keeper saving a Cormac Murphy penalty. All in all, a good start to the new season for Town's U13A team.
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
U13A
Martin Cullen, Keith Byrne, Kyle Jordan, Bernard Fox, Ciaran O'Reilly, Adrian Earls, Aaron Jackson, Kyle Hilliard, Cormac Murphy, Jordan Gannon, Nathan O'Neill, Fiachra O'hAnnáin, Kaelim Broughan, Graham Heaney, Dylan Doyle, Cillian Doyle.
Managers: Brian O'Neill, Gary Murphy.
U13B
Josh Moules, Dáire McBride, Ross Bealin, Kristian Karwat, Dylan Walker, Cian Dodd, James Colvin, Nathan Doyle, Shane Harris, Michael Cullen, Luke Walker, Jacob Kuba, Fionn Redmond, Olagh Redmond, Daniel Skerritt, Mark O'Brien, Conor Wynne, Garrett Hughes, Sacha Gaffney, Niall Heffernan, Jack Byrne, Lester Carroll.
Managers: Tom Skerritt, Andrew Wynne.