Mar 6 Town ease into Shield semi finals with comfortable win
A brace from Lee Kenny and one each from Shane Walker and Craig Kinsella eased Town's 15's into the last four of this season's Shield competition after a thorough 4-1 win over St. Anthony's A at the Leisure Centre.  The visitors have not shown their league form in the Shield competition and in truth were never allowed into this game, a good workout for the Town side.

Feb 28 Tompkins brace eases Town past Rovers
Town's David Tompkins became defender turned goalpoacher with two excellent first half goals as the home side eased past Wicklow Rovers in a WDSL U15 Group A clash at the Leisure Centre earlier today.  Town were without the services of striker Shane Walker, away on trials for the Irish national squad.  With other noted absentees, the Arklow side, all playing a year above their age, put on a powerful display to inflict a first Shield defeat on the Wicklow side.  Town started like a house on fire with Lee Kenny opening the scoring in just the fifth minute.  The home side continued to dominate throughout the opening half and defender Tompkins twice netted from corner kicks, showing great desire on both set piece moves to score Town's second and third goals in quick succession.  Rovers were given a brief glimmer of hope with a goal midway through the second half but the contest was ended with Town's Sean Hurley, playing his third fixture in two days, bursting into the Rovers area to fire high into the top corner a fourth goal for a powerful home team.  The young Arklow side are busy preparing for a key SFAI U14 Goodson Cup trek to Temple Villa and a place up for grabs in the last sixteen.  On the evidence of this performance Town will certainly travel with well founded confidence.

Feb 27 Town dig deep to reach last sixteen
A clinical finish from striker James Sheehan with just fifteen minutes remaining edged Arklow Town into the last sixteen of this season's SFAI U15 Evans Cup after a dramatic encounter with Newbridge Town at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today.  The Kildare side made the perfect start with a goal in just the fourth minute, a corner from the left whipped across Arklow's six yard area and a Newbridge head steered the ball past Arklow keeper Cian Ryan.  Just two minutes elapsed before the sides were level with Arklow midfielder Jordan Forde smashing home a free kick from all of thirty yards high into the top left corner of the Newbridge goal.  Indeed Forde almost repeated the dose just three minutes later running onto a loose ball outside the Newbridge area and forcing the Kildare keeper into a speculative save tipping over the bar.  Midway through the half the visitors almost regained the lead, the danger averted by the alert Jonathan Delahunt, quick to deny a certain goal with the Newbridge striker dragging his effort wide as a result.  The home side rallied and with the best move of the first half they went agonisingly close to grabbing a fortuitous lead with Aidan O'Callaghan on the end of a swift Arklow counter attack forcing a good save from the Newbridge keeper.  The home side with three changes made at the break looked sharper from the off in the second half, with left back Ryan Byrne a visible threat on the Arklow flank.  Dean Doyle and Sean Hurley both afforded the home side a little more creativity and Cormac Breslin slotted in superbly well at right full.  With the clock ticking and extra time looming Arklow were to grab a winning goal.  Dean Doyle, on the right wing, fired across the six yard area finding James Sheehan and the Arklow forward, a constant threat throughout, swivelled and fired home across the keeper to steer the home side into the last sixteen at national level, with a home draw awaiting them in the next round also.

Images from today's game:

Feb 6 Town prove too strong for Galwegians
In the end a convincing 3-0 home win for Arklow Town U15's over gallant Galway side Cregmore to ease into the last 32 of this season's SFAI National Cup (Evans Cup) and a key home fixture against Kildare's Newbridge Town in the next round.  The home side were certainly forced to earn their place in the last 32 after a very keenly fought contest at BBK's ground against a physically strong Galway side.  The Arklow side had opened well but in failing to convert possession into clear cut goal scoring opportunities they afforded their opponents the belief that they could wear down an Arklow side.  Credit though Arklow as they persisted with a passing game on a very testing surface and front pairing James Sheehan and Aaron Ward were both unlucky on a couple of occasions not to have fired the home side into a deserved lead.  In contrast the visitors were restricted to just one effort on goal in the opening half with Arklow keeper JJ Maghery saving well.  Despite Arklow dominance the sides were level at the half time break.  The home side introduced both Kevin Russell and Gavin Forde for the second half and Arklow began to ask serious questions of Cregmore's defence, with a new dimension to their play on either flank and, crucially, space in the middle of the park for Aidan O'Callaghan and Paudge Kelleher to dictate matters.  Indeed, Arklow capitalised soon after from a free kick 30 yards from goal with Jonathan Delahunt finding O'Callaghan bursting through the Cregmore defence unmarked and he slotted home the coollest of finishes to give Arklow a crucial advantage.  Cregmore were now forced to become more adventurous and this would in time suite Arklow's more measured approach.  The visitors enjoyed a ten minute spell of dominance where they applied serious pressure on Town's rearguard.  Town's back line stood firm though with sterling performances from Ryan Byrne, the aforementioned Delahunt and Kevin Kennedy.  Town doubled their lead with little more than ten minutes remaining, an excellent crossfield pass from O'Callaghan finding Kevin Russell and he showed strength and determination in fending off his marker before firing home a superb effort.  With just three minutes remaining Town sealed victory and in no little style too.  Substitute Shane Walker showcased his natural predatory nature in front of goal after superb work from Gavin Forde put the Arklow striker through one on one with the Cregmore keeper.  Walker slipped past the keeper with aplomb before firing Town's third into an empty net, in the process booking Arklow's date in the last 32 where a home tie against Newbridge is the prize and a good opportunity to advance to the last sixteen.

Jan 30 A day to forget for Town
A disappointing day at the office today for Town's 15A team, suffering their first reversal of the season. That alone was bad enough, the fact that it was to our main rivals Wicklow Rovers was doubly disappointing.  This game was a story of three thirds, with Town slow to start and Rovers being on top for the first 25 minutes.  The ref awarded Rovers a penalty after 15 minutes, which they duly scored from.  Then slack defending let Rovers in again for an easy second goal.  After 25 minutes Town decided to start playing and for the rest of the game outplayed Rovers and dominated proceedings to such an extent that the home team opted for a 5-4-1 formation for the second half to try to stem the tide of Town attacks.  Again Town did not take advantage of the many chances they created in the second half with a Sean Hurley free the only effort to cross the line.  Rovers battled hard in the second half and though out on their feet managed to hold on for their win.  Indeed to add insult to injury they scored again in the last minute when the referee managed to see that the ball had crossed the Town line when Ryan Murray pushed a shot onto the post, seeing it rebound back to him and he then cleared it.  The ref was 30 yards out the field at this point.  Notwithstanding the above issues it was plainly a case of the Town players not being mentally ready for this game in the first 25 minutes when too many players were below par.  After that they were excellent but the damage had been done.  - Paul Breslin

Jan 24 Too easy for Town
A Craig Kinsella hat trick was the highlight of a facile victory for Town's U15A side over Avonmore A at the Leisure Centre today.  Two former Town players Paddy Byrne and Callum Pursey lined out for the visitors.  As the scoreline suggests, save for the opening 20 minutes of this fixture, it was one way traffic, with Avonmore netting their consolation goal in the last minute of the game.  As has been the case with a lot of fixtures this season the team needed to match the aggression and effort of the older lads from Avonmore in the opening quarter of the game.  In doing so the team laid the foundation for a comfortable win in the end.  Town led 3-0 at the interval and with an early fourth goal in the second half the game as a contest was over.  In fairness the Avonmore players kept plugging away and they were finally rewarded in the last minute with a scrambled goal from a corner kick.  Shane Walker and Cian O'hAnnáin both bagged two goals apiece with other goals coming from Lee Kenny and Garry O'Neill.  All Town players did well on a sticky pitch but Craig Kinsella with a hat trick earns the accolades this time.  Wicklow Rovers A away next week as well as one eye on the upcoming SFAI Goodson Cup clash where Town will travel west to face Connacht.  Greater challenges lie in waiting.

Jan 23 Town progress to national stage
Arklow Town U15's secured their place in the last 36 of this season's SFAI U15 Evans Cup with a good 6-2 triumph over a very game Blessington at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today.  The Arklow club already has sides through to the open draw and national level at three age groups and with the 15's winning the Arklow club now have a quartet of teams vying for national titles.  Philip Nolan, showing great awareness, opened the scoring for Town in the fifth minute and when James Sheehan doubled Arklow's lead on the quarter hour mark it looked like being a comfortable day at the office for the Black and Whites.  Not so as Blessington began to gain a foothold in the middle of the park and they dragged themselves back into the tie when taking full advantage of sloppy defensive play from the home side.  Almost immediately from the restart the sides were level with Blessington carving open the Town rearguard to stun the home side.  Town upped their game in the second half and regained the lead with Aaron Ward showing a striker's predatory nature with a neat finish from close range.  Substitute Gavin Forde drove home a spectacular fouth goal for the home team from 25 yards out leaving the Blessington keeper with no chance whatsoever.  Kevin Russell almost bettered Forde's effort with a strike from distance smacking off the crossbar and away to safety.  Ward then forced home his second goal and Town's fifth to put the game beyond the SDFL side and Aidan O'Callaghan capped a fine individual performance with a drive from distance in the closing minutes to ease Town into the last 36 where they now await opponents from Connacht.

Dec 19 Town stroll to derby win at United
Town 15A's travelled the short distance to Ferndale Park earlier today to face the home team, Arklow United, in a WDSL U15 Premier Division clash.  The game turned out to be very much one way traffiic with the Town side dominating a gallant United team.  Craig Kinsella, Dean Doyle and Aaron Byrne all scored a brace, with Sean Hurley and Garry O'Neill netting the other goals in a facile 8-0 win. The game was blown up 10 minutes early as agreed by both teams but in the 70 minutes of play it was clear that the gulf in ability between both sides was vast.  This Town side are through to the last 32 of the National Cup, and they remain the only side in the WDSL yet to conceded a goal this season in the league.  Ryan Murray in goal had one shot to deal with in the 70 minutes of this game and it is hoped that he will be a bit busier in the rest of our games this season.  It is difficult to choose some players above others in these type of games but if one had to choose a player as man of the match it would be Sean Byrne at left back.  In the second half as some of his team mates were losing discipline regarding their positions on the pitch Sean Byrne continued to do his job for the team, to keep his positional discipline and made a couple of important interceptions when others had left their positions to try to get their name on the score sheet.  The team has a short break now before two friendly games over the next 10 days away to DDSL outfits, Crumlin United and Malahide United, and then the task will be to prepare for an away game in the west against opposition from Connacht to try to reach the last 16 of the National Cup.

Nov 28 Tough day for B team
Playing their first game since October 17 Town's 15B's suffered a heavy defeat at home to Wicklow Rovers A earlier today.  Patrick Brennan was on the mark for the home side.  No match report.

Nov 7 Maghery magic keeps Town hopes alive
Not a game for the faint hearted as Arklow Town survived a scare at home versus Portlaoise AFC, at BBK.  Even though it was visitors Portlaoise who had opened the brighter, Town found themselve two goal to the good inside the first twenty minutes, with Jonathan Delahunt heading home from two Ryan Byrne corners.  Ciaran Burke cleared off the line and the visitors also hit the post before half time, indicating that the game was far from over.  Portlaoise sensed a comeback when pulling one back early into the second half.  Five minutes later Town were rocking when the Laois side grabbed an equaliser, sloppy defensive play allowing the away team in to level.  At this stage the omens were bad, as the visitors had the scent for victory.  With fifteen minutes remaining Arklow's worst fears appeared to be realised when keeper Cian Ryan was beaten by a free kick from distance, the drive crashing into Town's net hitting the underside of the crossbar.  However, the shock appeared to awaken Town from their slumber and they found renewed momentum.  Constant pressure was placed upon the visitors penalty area and with just two minutes remaining Ryan Byrne fired in his third telling corner kick of the game, this time Aidan O'Callaghan rising highest to place home the most beautiful of goals, and well timed too!  Town enjoyed their best spell throughout the extra time period but with no further goals it was the lottery of a penalty shoot out to decide who would advance to the fourth round of this year's Evans Cup.  Gavin Forde stepped up to take Town's first spot kick but his effort was well saved by the Portlaoise keeper.  The visitors then scored their opening kick and that was followed up with Jordan Forde smashing home a pressure spot kick for Town.  JJ Maghery then brought Town back level with a super save.  Ciaran Burke, Ryan Byrne and James Sheehan all netted the remainder of Town spot kicks leaving the Portlaoise penalty taker needing to beat Maghery to force the shoot out into sudden death.  Amazingly, Maghery dived correctly, to his left and steered the penalty away to trigger delight and relief in equal measure amongst Town's support.  No doubt Portlaoise will feed hard done by but they were very gracious in defeat and lest we all forget it was a "there but for the grace of God" moment...

Oct 18 Town thrash Ballyoulster
A futile trek for Town's U15A team (playing as our U16 side in WDSL competition) to Celbridge to face Ballyoulster United earlier today, with a 12-0 scoreline in Town's favour doing neither side any real good.  Even without the services of three first team players Town were to prove too strong for their Kildare based opponents, as the squad stepped up with some pivotal performances across the team.  None more so than that of Man of the Match Aaron Ward who bagged 8 goals, from Town's total of 12.  Ward, along with strike partner James Sheehan, proved far too strong for the hapless Ballyoulster defence.  Sheehan adding two of his own as well as numerous assists to Aaron's sackful.  Indeed, Sheehan's usual high work rate was mirrored across the team in what was truly a complete team performance with all thirteen players contributing fully, playing the type of stylish attacking football now the benchmark at the club.  Football typified by a sweeping move down the left which resulted in Town's fourth.  Ryan Byrne's curled cross powered into the net off the head of Ward.  Byrne was to bag one of his own from the penalty spot late on as Arklow kept the foot firmly on the gas.  Also on the scoresheet was Aidan O'Callaghan with a fine headed goal from a corner.  However, this was Ward's day - one he will no doubt remember and talk about for many years to come.

Oct 10 Town held at home
Arklow Town A and St. Anthony's A played out an entertaining 2-2 draw at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today.  Town's scorers were Cian O'hAnnáin and Aaron Byrne.  No match report.

Oct 3 Impressive Town hold firm
Something had to give with the meeting of Arklow Town A and Rathnew A when the two sides faced each other in the WDSL U15 Premier Division clash at Arklow's Leisure Centre this morning.  Both sides came into the fixture with 100% win records, the visitors on a high from last week's success over Wicklow Rovers and the home side eager to maintain the fine form they have shown over the opening weeks of the season.  The wind was a factor in the opening half, as both sides adapted well to the conditions.  Rathnew went closest to breaking the deadlock, Edward Merrigan unlucky not to score, seeing his headed effort rebound off an Arklow post and away to safety.  Town, with the introduction of Shane Walker, Kevin Kennedy and Craig Kinsella at half time upped their game in the opening exchanges of the second half and they began to dictate matters. Midway through the half, a fine Arklow move saw Walker playing a precise cross field ball to Martin Kelly on Town's right wing and, unmarked, the Arklow midfielder had time to steady himself before firing what proved to be the game's only goal into the far corner beyond the reach of the Rathnew keeper.  Both teams showed of a lack of discipline in the closing stages as tempers became somewhat frayed.  Victory for Arklow Town sees them setting the early pace in what should prove to be an exciting division this season.  No doubt about it, two fine teams and both Arklow Town and Rathnew will have a major say over the months ahead.

The 15B team went down 6-3 at home to Greystones United A with Harry Horsman netting twice for Town and Tommy Hurley bagging Town's third goal.

Sep 26 B team point the way forward
Playing their first game together this season, Town's U15B team went to Coolboy and returned with a good point and a share of the spoils after an entertaining match ended 4-4.  Harry Horsman opened his account for the season netting twice.  Eric Silko and Josh Platt fired home Arklow's other two goals.  Town will be keen to build on this result when facing Greystones United A at home next weekend.

Sep 20 Facile win for Town
Fresh from their victory over our U15B team last week, Ardmore were in confident mood for this game at a sunny Ballywaltrim.  Before the game, one of the Ardmore players shouted over, "you're goin to lose mister!" Sadly for the youngster his pre-match confidence was a tad misguided as Town proved far too strong for the home side, firing home nine goals without answer, resulting in the Ardmore manager asking for the game to be ended ten minutes early.  This game was certainly a mismatch, and it was in no one's interest to let the game continue on.  In fairness to the Ardmore players they continued to try to compete throughout the game and never lost their composure nor resorted to overly aggressive play throughout the game. Scorers for Town were Dean Doyle 2, Sean Hurley 2, Gary O'Neill 2, Cormac Breslin, Craig Kinsella, and David Tompkins from the penalty spot.  There will be more difficult games to come, notably against Wicklow Rovers and Rathnew.

Sep 13 Unlucky Town run out of steam
A gallant effort from a youthful U15B team facing a strong Ardmore Rovers A side at the Leisure Centre earlier today ended in frustration as the visitors scored two late goals to secure the points.  The Arklow side, playing their first game of the season, were drawn mainly from the U14 ranks and the extra twenty minutes (ten per half) eventually told as Ardmore's age and fitness advantage proved telling.  Ardmore started strongly but the home side, once settling into the game, began to gain an upper hand and a series of raids down the right flank, with Vincent Lambert working hard to create openings.  From one such move Arklow took the lead, with Adam Casserley slotting home from inside the area.  Town were unlucky not to double their lead with a ferocious cross from Vincent Lambert finding Sean Loughlin, whose header smashed off the angle and away to safety.  Enda Dempsey enjoyed an excellent game at the back, marshalling the Town defence well.  When called upon, keeper Andrew Tancred proved reliable, making a number of fine saves throughout the game.  Patrick Walker, another Town defender to enjoy a fine performance.  However, it must be emphasised that this was a team effort, with all the players putting in a good eighty minutes of effort - a plus for the players with their own campaign at U14 level due to commence next weekend.

Sep 12 Facile derby win for Town
Last season's WDSL U13 Premier Shield winners Arklow Town, now playing at an age level above, welcomed local rivals Arklow United to the Leisure Centre for the opening fixture in this season's WDSL U15 Premier Division.  Town opened the scoring in the third minute through Cian O'hAnnáin.  O'hAnnáin went on to net a hat trick with Martin Kelly adding two, a memorable day for both boys making their league debuts in Town colours.  Other Town newcomers Aaron Byrne, Kevin Kennedy and Gary O'Neill too enjoyed fine performances.  Town's other goalscorers against a game Arklow United were Shane Walker (2), Sean Hurley, David Tompkins, Cormac Breslin, Craig Kinsella, Gary O'Neil and Lee Kenny.  There will be tougher tests ahead for Town, but nonetheless it was good to get a flying start at a sun drenched Leisure Centre.

June 7 Town complete Treble the Hardy Way
Arklow Town and Rathnew served up a cracker of a final when meeting in today’s WDSL U15 Premier Shield Final. Ten goals, extra time, a last minute equaliser, the game had the lot but most notably it was the virtuoso performance of Town playmaker Mark Hardy that caught the eye. Hardy was nothing short of magnificent, in an excellent team performance from the Arklow side and his four goal contribution went some way to ensuring the Arklow side completed a prized Treble, adding the Shield title to League and Cup honours. The Black and Whites opened strongly and though without the services of the injured John Kearon, they looked the likelier side to open the scoring. Indeed, two first half goals from Hardy put Arklow in the driving seat. Collecting the ball in full flow the Town midfielder glanced past the advancing Rathnew keeper to slot home and minutes later he drilled a left foot effort low and hard into the back of the net. Rathnew, having reached the quarter finals of the National Cup earlier this season, are a very resilient outfit and they blitzed Arklow with two early second half goals. Rathnew then took the lead for the first time, with defensive frailty from Town allowing the Villagers in to strike. Mark Hardy levelled matters with his and Arklow’s third goal. Rathnew thought they had won the game when scoring a fourth goal with just seven minutes remaining but Arklow dug deep, as the tension mounted, to launch a number of attacks in the closing moments. With little more than sixty seconds remaining Town’s Darragh O’Leary sensationally equalised, firing home a sweet left foot shot from the edge of Rathnew’s penalty area. Into extra time, midway through the opening half, that man Hardy popped up again, to restore Arklow’s advantage and when the versatile Liam Carroll netted a sixth goal late in the second half the result was finally put beyond the valiant Rathnew side.

June 1 Town secure Double
An early start to the June Bank Holiday for Arklow Town's treble chasing U15s, with a 10am kick off against Rathnew, at Whitegates in Wicklow town.  Town, having beaten their opposition last week in Shield competition were confident of repeating the success though mindful of an horrendous off-day in their opening Shield fixture against Rathnew.  Town were on top from the off and punished the villagers with two first half finishes from the clinical Adam Brown.  Both Brown's goals were similar, with the ball played over the top of Rathnew's back line, and Brown quickest to react, getting on to the loose ball and slotting home both times.  Mark Hardy sealed victory for Arklow in the second half with a superb free kick.  Rathnew were given a rather dubious penalty in added time, nothing more than a consolation goal.  The two sides will meet again next weekend, in the Shield decider, with Arklow pursuing a treble.  Only Rathnew stand in their way now.

Apr 19 Town leave it late to secure final spot
Town's U15's survived a major scare earlier today when coming from two goals down to defeat Greystones United in the WDSL U15 Premier Cup.  Having defeated the very same opposition 8-2 at Bridgewater Centre Park in Shield action just a few week's back, Town no doubt felt confident of advancing to the final.  However, with a poor team performance Town found themselves two down and staring into the abyss.  Mark Hardy gave Town a lifeline with a strike ten minutes from full time and the comeback was completed when Kyle Dowling levelled in the last minute of play.  Midfielder Ian Reid then fired Town into the final with a winning goal in extra time as Town used their "Get Out Of Jail" card to maximum effect.

Mar 26 Cup semi final draw made tonight
The draw was made earlier tonight at the monthly meeting of the WDSL clubs, in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow and much excitement and anticipation surrounded the semi final draw for this season's U15 Premier Cup semi finals.  Both semi finals are to be played at neutral venues on the weekend ending April 18/19.  Town have been drawn to face Greystones United A, a side they have already comprehensively beaten twice in league action so far this season.  The other semi final sees Rathnew facing Enniskerry A.

Mar 7 Town are crowned champions without kicking a ball
Arklow Town U15A's have been crowned WDSL U15 Premier Division League Champions for season 2008-09 today without even kicking a ball.  Having beaten today's opposition Enniskerry 3-1 in their previous encounter the Arklow side were looking forward to winning the title in a style befitting some of the football they have played so far this season.  However, Enniskerry forfeited the fixture meaning Town, as expected, became champions.  Town have won all nine league games this season, netting 36 times before today's walkover.  Town will now look towards the U15 Premier Cup and the Shield competition, hoping to complete a treble.  Goals have been plentiful thus far this season with no less than ten players ending on the scoresheet.  Top scorers so far for the U15s this season are John Kearon and Darragh O'Leary, with 8 goals apiece.  Mark Hardy, with 6, and Ian Reid (5) are not far behind.  And no doubt there'll be a little internal battling for that particular honour over the course of the Shield campaign!  However, it should be noted that collectively this fine Town side has conceded just three goals this term.

Jan 31 Luckless Town exit Evans Cup
Arklow Town U15s cruelly exited this season's SFAI Evans Cup after a narrow 2-1 defeat away at Galway's Mervue United earlier this afternoon.  Having made the long journey west Town were slow to start and found themselves one down inside ten minutes, through a debatable effort from a Mervue forward who was at least six yards offside.  However, the officials allowed the goal to stand, much to Town's annoyance.  John Kearon thought he had levelled the tie but his effort rebounded off the crossbar and was cleared.  Town suffered a blow late in the game with both Ciarán Byrne and John Kearon forced to retire injured.  The home side went two ahead with five minutes remaning but Town grabbed a lifeline with Mark Hardy pulling one back.

A late barrage on the home goal saw Town almost level the match and though Town's overall performance deserved better they now exit the cup.  In summary, genuine disappointment in not advancing to the last 16 of the competition having put in an excellent team performance, each and every player playing their part.  Galway has proven to be an unlucky hunting ground for this Town side as last year they exited the SFAI Goodson Cup at the quarter final stage having lost 3-1 at Salthill Devon.

Dec 21 Seven up for Town
Arklow Town's U15A side made it seven wins from seven fixtures thus far this season, a comfortable 9-0 win away at Greystones United earlier today to inch nearer to a league title success.  Goals on the day were scored by John Kearon (3), Ian Reid (3), Darragh O'Leary, Mark Hardy and Shane McBride.  During the week the Arklow side were drawn away to face Mervue in the SFAI Evans Cup, meaning a return west after Town's run last season took them all the way to the quarter finals of the (U14) Goodson Cup, where they lost out to Galway based Salthill Devon.  Hopefully the trip west this season will prove more fruitful.

Nov 29 Kearon dismantles Portlaoise challenge
A superb performance from striker John Kearon illuminated a good U15 SFAI Evans Cup contest between Arklow Town and visitors Portlaoise at a chilly Bridgewater Centre Park on Saturday afternoon last.  With a place in the open draw for the last 32 at national level up for grabs both sides sparred with each other over the opening exchanges.  The deadlock was broken however in the tenth minute with Darragh O’Leary whipping in a ball from the left flank that was met by Kearon, his first touch immaculate, swivelling and then firing low and hard into the Portlaoise net to edge Town ahead.  The home side doubled their lead in the twentieth minute, with Arklow attacking oncemore down the left wing.  O’Leary crossed into the area and the away defence failed to scramble clear, with the ball hopping up nicely for John Kearon to smash high into the top corner. The Laois side rallied in the second half, determined to find a way back into the contest, and indeed they may have forced their way back into the game where it not for an excellent save from Town’s Anthony Nolan.  With Arklow’s next attack the contest was put beyond the visitors, fifteen minutes into the half.  Ian Reid, enjoying a wonderful season so far, and again on this occasion a highly influential figure, showed great awareness to spot Kearon in full flight and goalbound.Reid played a perfectly weighted pass that dissected the defence and gave Kearon a glorious opportunity to secure Arklow’s passage into the last 32, a chance he never looked likely to spurn as he secured his hat trick, and Town’s third goal.

It was to get better for Kearon but not before Portlaoise scored a consolation goal, against the run of play.  Still, it was to be the Arklow man's day, contesting an aerial ball with the away side’s keeper and central defender, the ball struck Kearon on the back and he was first to react, slotting home from close range.  Kearon was deservedly acclaimed as man of the match after his disciplined performance ensured Town advanced, as they did last season also, to the national level in this season’s Evans Cup.  Further good news for the Arklow side with the return from injury of the influential Mark Hardy.  Hardy, who starred for the Republic of Ireland Emerging Talent side competing in the Umbro Cup pre-season has been sidelined for a number of weeks with injury and his return is well-timed as Town set their focus on matching last season’s run to the last eight at national level in SFAI cup competition.  On this performance, Arklow look highly capable.

Nov 23 Town ease past Enniskerry to extend unbeaten run
Arklow Town's U15A side travelled to Enniskerry and returned with the three points after a comfortable 3-1 win.  Goalscorers were Daniel Lucas, Kyle Dowling and Ian Reid.

Carroll did double Town’s advantage in the twentieth minute with a close range effort.  Right on half time, the result was put beyond the away team when John Kearon fired home a direct free kick from the left flank.  Town continued their dominance in the second half, both Ian Reid and Kyle Dowling conducting matters from central positions, ably supported down the flanks either side by Stephen Kavanagh and Alan Sunderland.  Striker Kearon grabbed his hat-trick with a fine effort from close range, quickest to react after the away keeper had made a wonderful save and the seal was put on the result when Kearon himself played through the influential Ian Reid to place Arklow’s fifth past the keeper.