May 15 Master class from Town secures Double
A clinical display from Arklow Town at Greystones earlier this evening ensured Town’s U17 side completed a WDL League and Cup double. Greystones United, quite literally, were swept aside in this League play off decider with the Arklow side dominant from first minute to last. Town could easily have taken a fourth minute lead when Daniel Ledwith was afforded a free header in a central position inside the home penalty area. Luckily for the home side he couldn’t direct his header on target with the ball sailing over the bar. In the tenth minute midfielder Shane Murray fired a volley from the right edge of the area, his effort straight at the keeper. Two minutes later, Town were ahead, with Jonathan Kelty netting. Quick passing on Town’s right side, Adam Hanlon finding Shane Murray in space inside the ‘Stones’ area. Murray fed inside to Kelty and with panic enveloping the home defence the Arklow man was able to head home at the second attempt after his initial effort had been cleared off the line by Greystones’ number three. Town continued to apply pressure and Adam Hanlon was alert to a Murray pass over the static home defence but the keeper blocked his effort. Kelty went close to doubling Town’s lead with a direct run at the heart of the Greystones defence, but his effort on goal was weak. Daniel Ledwith too went close after a brilliant run down Town’s left wing, cutting inside to create an opening. With half time looming, the Arklow side pressed forward in numbers, with defender James Scallan out wide left, and his cross was well met by Darragh Culleton with a swinging left foot volley that was well saved by the keeper. Culleton went close again moments later, receiving a pass from Shane Murray on the right edge of the area, but his effort was inches the wrong side of the far post. Two minutes into the second half Town deservedly increased their lead with the home defence once again dissected by a precision pass from Jonathan Kelty, with Darragh Culleton bursting through and beyond the advancing keeper. Seven minutes later the contest was ended with another mix up in the home ranks allowing in midfielder Aaron Barry to steer home after a free kick from Town’s right wing had caused havoc. On the hour mark, the mercurial Shame Murray crowned a fine team performance with a magical strike. Murray turned one way, then another, to create an opening outside the left edge of the ‘Stones’ area, before firing in a delicious effort that crashed into the top right hand corner. Jack Tim Murphy replaced Culleton and the Arklow wide man should really have added a fifth goal with his first touch, his effort rebounding off the bar and away to safety when it appeared easier to score. Another Arklow substitute, Dara Verney, found Kelty with an excellent through ball but Kelty’s first touch eluded him with the goal at his mercy. Town made their third substitute with fifteen minutes remaining, replacing Cormac Murphy in goal with Jason Earls. Earls was called into action minutes later when a rare Greystones attack produced a point blank save from the Arklow keeper. With five minutes remaining Town added a fifth, with Murphy slotting home from the edge of the area. Town netted a sixth goal in the closing minutes with Kelty finding his second goal of the game, to seal a pretty emphatic League and Cup double for an impressive Arklow side.

Images from tonight's game:

Apr 22 Town too strong for St. Anthony's in Cup Final exhibition
A powerful exhibition of passing football saw Arklow Town's U17 side ease to a third successive WDL U17 Cup success against a game St. Anthony's side at Rathnew's Shamrock Park earlier this evening.  Darragh Culleton headed Town into an eighth minute lead, getting on the end of a cross from the industrious Aaron Barry.  Captain Jonathan Kelty then doubled Town's lead with an effort from distance that bobbled up in front of St. Anthony's luckless keeper, and beyond him into the net.  Man of the match Shane Murray added a third before half time, a superb curling effort from the left edge of the area.  Town pressed on in the second half with an array of top drawer finishes - with both Town's fourth and fifth goals, from Jack Tim Murphy and James Scallan respectively, as good as you'll get.  Substitutes Adam Hanlon and Dara Verney were introduced, adding to Town's dominance, and it was Verney who crowned the night with a classy hat trick to put the seal on a magnificent team performance.

Mar 14 Minogue leads the way in semi final success
Arklow Town U17s duly qualified for the WDL U17 Cup Final with a scintillating performance and victory over Greystones United at Woodlands earlier today.  Town started right from the off, playing at a high tempo, controlling midfield and winning the majority of tussles across the park.  Darragh Culleton went close with an effort, just wide, and Jonathan Kelty did likewise minutes later putting an effort the wrong side of the post when it looked easier to score.  Kelty made atoned for his miss in the 17th minute when firing a tremendous strike from twenty yards out past the home keeper.  Town doubled their lead in the 35th minute, with Jack Tim Murphy finding Clive Crammond and his cross shot flew into the 'Stones net.  Town were dominant in the middle of the park, with James Scallan and Danny Ledwith in total command.  Behind them, the composure of both Aaron Barry and Domhnall Minogue ensured Town were rarely threatened.  Town put the game beyond their hosts in the 65th minute when Minogue powerfully directed a header beyond the Greystones keeper after an inch perfect cross from Shane Murray.  Substitute Dara Verney caused the home defence continuous problems throughout the half and was unlucky not to add to Arklow's total.

Sep 21 Town kick off new U17 League with victory

Despite an early setback, Arklow Town kicked off the new U17 League with a comfortable 6-2 win over Greystones United.  Indecision in the penalty area between Paul Rice and Jason Earls allowed a 'Stones striker to fire home.  In the thirteenth minute the sides were level with Jonathan Kelty well placed to strike from eight yards out, on the receiving end of a fine cross from Keith Armstrong.  With Town pressing for an advantage they were hit with a perfect counter attack, restoring the advantage for the away side.  As half time approached Town were given a free kick outside the 'Stones penalty area.  Shane Murray whipped in the cross and Danny Ledwith was first to the ball, heading home firmly.  In the second half, Town upped their game and a Clive Crammond strike gave Town a slender lead.  Ledwith added his second of the game to give Town a two-goal advantage and the result was put beyond doubt when Karl Kirwan was perfectly placed to head home.  With six minutes remaining Paul Rice put an emphatic look on the scoreline when heading home a Shane Murray cross, to leave the final score 6-2 in Town's favour.