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Arklow Town FC Under 18s |
Feb 20 The Genius of Ledwith
Town welcomed the might of League of Ireland club Bohemians' Youth to Bridgewater Centre Park in Arklow earlier this afternoon for a Leinster FA Youth Cup Third Round clash. The home team dominated proceedings for long spells in the opening half but failed to convert some good opportunities, with Keith Armstrong, Dara Verney and Adam Hanlon all denied by fine saves from Bohs' excellent keeper. The second half proved no different with Town failing to capitalise on some excellent possession, spurning a number of chances for the opening goal. The deadlock was dramatically broken though on the hour mark with a long clearance from Bohemians not being properly dealt with by Town keeper Jason Earls resulting in the Bohemians forward profitting and slotting home into an empty net giving the visitors a precious lead. The advantage was to last just a matter of minutes as Arklow's response was immediate. Clive Crammond fired in a cross from the left wing, with the keeper getting a glove on the ball in an attempt to clear. His clearance found only Town's Irish Colleges international Daniel Ledwith and he hammered home from fifteen yards to level matters. As the intensity of battle rose so too did tempers, with referee Bevans doing a great job in keeping order. With just two minutes remaining, and extra time looming, a quick Arklow move out left saw good play from Jack Tim Murphy, Clive Crammond and Aaron Barry creating an opening; a delightful ball from Barry finding Ledwith clear inside the Bohemians area and he smashed home a powerful left footed drive to steer Arklow Town into the next round in dramatic fashion. In truth the home side should have won more convincingly with captain James Scallan and fellow defender Paul Rice excelling in Town's defence.
Images from today's game:
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Feb 13 Cully rattles Edenderry
Football they say is a funny old game and when the draw for this year's third round of the FAI U18 Youth Cup pitted Edenderry Town and Arklow Town together to meet at Paddy Maloney Park in Edenderry it instantly afforded the Arklow club an opportunity to exact revenge of sorts after exiting the very same tournament last season against the same opposition. Credit must be given though to Edenderry groundsman Alan Morrissey who provided an immaculate surface for both teams to shine on under the Edenderry floodlights tonight. The visitors took control from the off and truth be told they should have secured progress to the fourth round inside the opening quarter, spurning some glorious opportunities to edge ahead. Darragh Culleton twice hit the crossbar before Adam Hanlon and Jack Tim Murphy, both capped recently for the Irish U18 Schools team, missed good scoring chances. The home side, in the sixteenth minute, literally their first genuine attack on Arklow's goal were awarded a penalty after Arklow's ever commanding captain James Scallan upended the influential Edenderry midfielder Dean Cummins. Jamie Daly's penalty however crashed off Jason Earls' crossbar and away to safety. Earls' goal was to remain untroubled for the remainder of the half. In the twentieth minute a delightful diagonal ball from Jonathan Kelty was excellently controlled by Jack Tim Murphy and his low cross shot beat the home keeper Ciaran Cummins but rebounded off the foot of the post. Sheffield United-bound Aaron Barry, dominating play in midfield and winning countless possession, fed a precise pass into the path of Darragh Culleton and he slid perfectly under Cummins in the Edenderry goal to put Arklow Town ahead in the 35th minute. For the next twenty minutes or so it was Cummins the home keeper who was to deny Arklow from adding further scores, as Town produced arguably some of the finest football they have ever put together, with power, energy and precise passing a joy to watch. Cummins' herculean effort in the Edenderry goal was to match that. It must also be noted that Arklow were profligate in front of goal despite the quality of football on view. Ten minutes into the second half a Jonathan Kelty cross was met first time by Culleton, his touch immaculate as he beat the keeper to put the visitors two ahead with his second goal of the evening. Edenderry rallied, working tirelessly to find a way back into the tie and were rewarded when Jamie Daly fired home. The home side were now playing at a high tempo with Dean Cummins, Daly, and Graham Farrell all pushing the home side for a leveller. However, their flicker of hope was extinguished in quite simply the most exquisite of style as Arklow forward Dara Verney produced a moment of true class, beating the keeper in a race to the ball out by the sideline and somehow chipping the netminder from the tightest of angles to seal Arklow's progression to the fourth round. Credit must be given to a hard working home team, with the aforementioned trio of Cummins, Daly and Farrell all talented performers on the night.
Feb 13 Newtown run into in-form Town and pay the penalty
Town's 18B team hit the ground running earlier today against Newtown United at Bridgewater Centre Park. Town put the visitors on the back foot right from the off though were guilty of spuring a good few early opportunities for goals. Town made the breakthrough after a blinding run from Andy Murphy that ended with Murphy being taken down in the area, a definite penalty. Stuart O'Neill fired home from the spot to give Town a lead at the half time break. Newtown rallied strongly in the opening stages of the second half with Town forced to rely upon a very strong backline to keep Newtown at bay. Kevin Dempsey, Rory Bain, Ryan Purcey and Niall Garvey were magnificent, up to the challenge. However, Newtown did level, from a corner but minutes later Town were back in the lead thanks to a delightful finish from Des Bermingham after a strong run past a few defenders and beating the keeper in a one on one situation to slot home. Town were then granted another penalty with keeper Nathan Condell coming upfield to fire home a third goal for Arklow. Right on full time Town added a fourth, an error from the Newtown keeper allowed Mati Blanchina in to slide home. All game it has to be said that keeper Condell was magnificent, with a series of top class saves denying the visitors. Niall Garvey was again top drawer and with him the entire back four gave Town a solid foundation upon which a fine win was secured.
Dec 30 Town too strong for Bunclody
In one of the very few fixtures fulfilled over the Christmas holiday period it was business as usual for Arklow Town Youths, safely accounting for a gallant Bunclody in their Leinster FA Youth Cup 3rd Round clash at BBK. Conditions were tough on a bitterly cold and wet afternoon but Town were into their stride inside the opening minute with Karl Kirwan getting on the end of a Jack Tim Murphy cross to head home. Bunclody's response was instant, levelling in the third minute. The Wexford side broke upfield on a counter attack and though Arklow keeper Cormac O'Brien did well to get a hand to the strike it deflected in off Town's post. Arklow regrouped and began to dominate proceedings, confirming their superiority with two goals from Dara Verney, his first effort seeing him beat two defenders before hammering home low and hard past the keeper in the 11th minute and then in the 19th minute he was first to react to a loose ball after Town had hit a Bunclody post with a volley from the edge of the area. James Scallan put the game beyond the visitors in the 48th minute with a superb strike, a contender for goal of the season. The Arklow defensive midfielder controlled a headed clearance with his chest before unleashing an unstoppable left foot volley into the top corner from 25 yards out. Town eased into the fourth round on the hour mark when Alan Sunderland blasted home from 14 yards to make it 5-1. Town now advance to the last sixteen and will know their opponents when the draw for the 4th Round is made during the week.
Dec 19 Armstrong header shows Wicklow the Way
A fifth minute bullet header from Arklow Town striker Keith Armstrong proved to be enough to see Wicklow top Group 5 in the FAI U18 Youth Inter-League Cup, and through to the open draw in the next round of games. Having won their opening two fixtures Wexford arrived at Bridgewater Centre Park knowing that a draw would be suffice for the Slaneysiders to advance as group winners. Wicklow, with four points from their two previous fixtures, required all three points to top the group and from the very first whistle they blitzed Mick Wallace's side. Wicklow earned a succession of free kicks in the opening minutes in and around the Wexford area and Adam Hanlon went close to opening the scoring in just the second minute with a shot inches the wrong side of the post. The deadlock was broken in the fifth minute with winger Jack Tim Murphy beating a Wexford defender on the left flank and firing across for fellow Arklow Town team mate Keith Armstrong to powerfully head home. Buoyed up the home team continued to pressurise the Wexford rearguard and were unlucky not to double their lead in the 13th minute when from an Aaron Barry free kick Daniel Ledwith flicked on for Dara Verney to slot underneath the Wexford keeper. Unluckily for Verney and Wicklow his strike hit the upright and was cleared. Wicklow suffered a blow with injury to international Aaron Barry forcing the Arklow defender to retire from the game early, replaced by clubmate Jonathan Kelty. The industrious Ledwith went close just after the half hour mark, shooting narrowly over the crossbar and just two minutes later the home side went closer still with an excellent strike inches wide from man of the match Adam Hanlon. Wexford, though limited to one solitary effort on goal in the opening half, served a warning when hitting the Wicklow post deep into first half injury time. The Model County side re-arranged their shape and style of play in the second half and began brightly, pressing for a leveller. Wicklow countered with a few switches and with twenty minutes remaining almost scored a second goal with Peter Walker and Keith Armstrong combining well before Walker, a substitute for the hard working Verney, shot wide. Ten minutes from time scorer Keith Armstrong went agonisingly close to sealing the win but his effort on goal was ably blocked by a Wexford defender. Wexford almost levelled in the closing stages. Wicklow keeper Cormac O'Brien, relatively quiet throughout, was called upon in the last minute to pull off an astounding one handed save to deny Wexford parity, a remarkable reflex save from a bullet header. With literally the last kick of the game, Wexford thought they had snatched an equaliser only for O'Brien to once again finger tip the effort onto a post and midfielder Daniel Ledwith cleared the danger to ensure Wicklow top the group and advance as winners.
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Nov 7 Wicklow youths doctor Kildare challenge with ease
The WDL Youth side opened their campaign for FAI Umbro Inter League honours with an emphatic 3-1 win away at Kildare & District League in Suncroft, Co. Kildare today. Playing on a heavy pitch, conditions did not improve with a thunder storm, though one could argue that it was the sheer strength of the visiting Wicklow side that caused storms within the home ranks. In the seventh minute, the Garden county side went one up, after fine work from Adam Hanlon feeding a ball through to Daniel Ledwith and side stepping a Kildare defender he slotted home the opening goal. Ten minutes later Keith Armstrong thought he had doubled Wicklow's lead, but a dubious call from the official ruled out the goal. Wicklow completely overwhelmed the home team throughout the first half and but for a combination of bad luck and poor finishing would have sealed the game before half time. Wicklow's best player on the day Clive Crammond continued to run the show in the second half. Mirroring Armstrong's previous effort, Crammond netted in the 58th minute but that too was disallowed. Just seven minutes later Crammond combined with winger Jack Tim Murphy on the left flank with Murphy firing a delightful ball across the Kildare area, where Dara Verney was first to react and he blasted home low and hard into the bottom corner to increase Wicklow's lead. The home side pressed for a way back and were rewarded with a goal just seven minutes from time, converting a set piece, their first effort on goal. Kildare hopes of restoring parity were soon blown asunder with Wicklow camping oncemore in and around the Kildare penalty area in the closing minutes, winning four corners in quick succession. Peter Walker sealed the win for Wicklow with a well placed effort after receiving a pass from Joey Elliott. In summary, Wicklow proved value for money with this all important opening group victory, with captain James Scallan showing great leadership. Midfielder Clive Crammond, impressive throughout, served further notice to international manager Sean McCaffrey with a forceful performance. Wicklow next face Carlow at Bridgewater Centre Park in Arklow on Saturday, November 28.
Oct 18 Town duo lift All Ireland title with Leinster Schools
Congratulations to Arklow Town duo Adam Hanlon and Jack Tim Murphy, who were both selected to play for Leinster Schools in this weekend's FAI Schools Senior Boys Inter-Provincial tournament, held over the past three days in Tullamore and Athlone. Leinster Schools, under the guidance of manager Paddy O'Reilly, were gunning for a third straight title. Both Hanlon and Murphy were selected to start in Leinster's opening fixture, a tough encounter against a very fine Ulster side. The northern side impressed from the off but it was Leinster who carved out the better chances, with Arklow Town's Jack Tim Murphy closest to opening the deadlock, thinking he had registered the opening goal, only to be denied by a fantastic save from Ulster keeper Marty McGinty, deflecting the ball past the far post. Deep into injury time, the game still scoreless, Town's Adam Hanlon, deservedly recognised as man of the match, unlocked the Ulster defence with a telling ball. Receiving a ball out wide from Coláiste Choilm's Robert Gaul Hanlon went on a run and found Eoin Fowler with a perfect cross, with the striker coolly netting a winner. Hanlon was a major doubt for Leinster going into their second fixture, against Munster, and though he lined up at the start he was forced to depart after just twenty minutes through injury. Jack Tim Murphy, impressive in the opening game, came to the fore in the second game and was highly involved in both Leinster goals, Sean Skelly bagging a brace to secure a 2-0 victory over Munster. Sunday's last round of games saw opponents Connacht requiring a victory over Leinster to deny them a third successive inter-provincial title. Hanlon was absent through injury but again it was Murphy who rose to the occasion, his speed and trickery a constant thorn in Connacht's side. An attacking end to end game, the suspense nail-biting throughout, both keepers in superb form to deny opposing strikers ensuring the game remained scoreless, the result securing a coveted title for Leinster Schools. Both Arklow players can take immense satisfaction with their efforts over the three days and with the Inter-Provincials recognised as the first step in the process of selecting the FAI Schools International squad for next year's Carnegie Centenary Shield competition it is hoped they and others can merit inclusion in the international squad. Meanwhile, former team mate and lifelong Leeds United fan Shane Murray enjoyed a man of the match performance in Sheffield United's win over his boyhood heroes at Shirecliffe as the Blades defeated their Yorkshire rivals 2-0 in a FA Premier League Academy clash.
Oct 18 Five from five for Town A
A fifth successive win for Town's 18A's against AFC Belgrade sees them remain in pole position at the top of the WDSL / SDFL Alliance League. Goals from Ciarán Byrne (2), Clive Crammond, Aaron Barry and Daniel Ledwith eased Town to the points and they now get set to face fellow table toppers Wicklow Town at Bridgewater Centre Park next weekend.
Oct 17 B's enjoy trip to Granada
A handsome 5-1 for Town's 18B's earlier today at Meadowvale in Dublin against Granada. Town's goalscorers were James Graham, Andy Murphy, Mark Doyle, Niall Garvey and netting his debut goal for the club, Paul Duffy.
Oct 3 Goal harvest in Berryfield
A fourth straight Alliance League win for Town's U18A team, this time rich pickings at Enniskerry's Berryfield, with Town winning 9-1. Goals from Keith Armstrong (2), James Scallan (2), Jack Tim Murphy (2), Dara Verney, Daniel Ledwith and Karl Kirwan eased Town to another facile victory. Dara Verney was taken off with twenty minutes left, an injury precaution, leaving Town playing with ten players.
Sep 27 Town demolish Granada
Following on from yesterday's demolition of Crossabeg AFC in the Leinster FA Youth Cup, Town's A team travelled to Meadowvale to face Granada, and ran out easy winners on a 13-0 scoreline, Town's third successive victory in the Alliance League.
Sep 26 Double success for Town sides
Two comprehensive victories for Town's Under 18 sides today, with the 18A's easing past Crossabeg AFC in the LFA Youth Cup clash at Bridgewater Centre Park, and the 18B's securing a good 3-0 win away at Enniskerry in the same competition.
Town's U18B's, straight from the very first whistle, put home team Enniskerry on the back foot, applying plenty of pressure with Des Bermingham twice going close to opening the scoring inside the first ten minutes. Enniskerry though settled and with a few tactical switches began to come into the game more. Despite Town's greater possession they could not find an opening through Enniskerry's defence. However, with half time imminent, Town made a breakthrough with the alert Niall Garvey cleverly switching play from left to right, an accurate ball out to Patrick Doyle. Doyle showed great awareness, spotting the home keeper off his line and from 30 yards out he lobbed the keeper to put Town one ahead. Midway through the second half Jonathan Quinn was brought down in the penalty area and up stepped Des Bermingham to double Arklow's lead. Town suffered a setback minutes later with the sending off of Dean McCormack, receiving his second yellow card of the game. Garvey and Kevin Dempsey rallied the defence and indeed Niall was close to adding a third goal, from long range. Town put the result beyond the home team when Des Bermingham netted his second and Town's third late on. Town's two full backs, Ryan Percy - enjoying a debut - and Rory Bain wholly dominated, as did the entire back line, refusing to allow Enniskerry even a consolation goal.
Meanwhile, back at base, Keith Armstrong opened the scoring for the 18A's as they completely dominated their opponents from Crossabeg. Further goals came from Dara Verney, Aaron Barry, Daniel Ledwith, Jack Tim Murphy and Darragh Culleton as the home side eased to a very comfortable 6-0 victory.
Images from the 18A's win over Crossabeg in LFA Youth Cup action:
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Sep 19 Hanlon brace steers A team to the points
The first meeting of Town's 18A and 18B sides took place on Saturday last at Bridgewater Centre Park, with the A team prevailing on a 3-1 scoreline. The A team pressed from the off, with James Scallan firing over the bar as early as the second minute. That was quickly followed with two missed opportunities, both from Daniel Ledwith, and both well saved by Nathan Condell, the B team netminder. On the quarter hour mark Ledwith was felled in the B team area by Niall Garvey, with the referee pointing to the penalty spot. Condell, as he did against Aughrim Rangers last week, saved the penalty, denying Aaron Barry. In the 23rd minute Jack Tim Murphy's mazy run and cross found Daniel Ledwith twelve yards from goal and he was unlucky not to convert with his effort crashing off the post. Eight minutes later the deadline was broken, with Dara Verney getting into the end of a left wing cross from the lively Craig Comiskey to volley past Nathan Condell. The second half continued in similar fashion, with the A team enjoying possession, creating and wasting a number of chances. With some clever tactical moves the B team came more into the game and they posed a series of threats on the A's rearguard. However, second half substitute Adam Hanlon, on for Karl Kirwan, doubled the A team's advantage with just fifteen minutes remaining, a great shot from 22 yards. Three minutes from time, the B team grabbed a lifeline, scoring on the breakaway with Adam Murphy smashing home a fantastic half volley that flew in off the underside of the crossbar. However, Hanlon had the final say in the last sixty seconds of normal time, picking up the ball forty yards from goal and beating four players he remained composed before slotting past the advancing man of the match, keeper Nathan Condell. Best for the B team on the day were Niall Garvey, Kevin Dempsey, Stuart O'Neill and Dean McCormack. For the A team, Domhnall Minogue, Adam Hanlon and Dara Verney.
Sep 12 Condell magic puts Aughrim on the spot
Arklow Town B secured their first three points of the season in the new WDL U18 League with a hard fought win against Aughrim Rangers, played under glorious skies at the scenic Allen Park in Aughrim on Saturday last. Beaten on the opening weekend Town were determined to bounce back and indeed they were dominant in the opening exchanges. Stuart O'Neill epitomised Arklow's determination on the edge of the Aughrim box, winning possession and firing home an unstoppable effort. Town doubled their lead midway through the half with Des Bermingham crossing in from the left flank and Arklow's willing Mark Doyle applied an excellent finish sidefooting home from seven yards. Arklow were worthy of a two goal advantage at this stage of the game but the home side were to grab a lifeline, pulling a goal back on the stroke of half time. Aughrim gained further momentum in the second half and equalised when given a free kick just outside the Arklow penalty area. The free kick, a thunderous effort, was smashed home despite the best effort of Town keeper Nathan Condell. Arklow snapped out of their lethargy and drove at the home side and the pressure told when Des Bermingham drove home from the right edge of Aughrim's area. The drama was heightened as the game moved into injury time, when the home side were awarded a controversial penalty, and a chance to level matters oncemore. However, Arklow keeper Condell made not one but two outstanding saves to deny Aughrim. The drama did not end there as Arklow went straight upfield and they were awarded a penalty of their own, with Stuart O'Neill slotting home to secure an eventful three points for the Arklow side.
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Sep 5 Town earn their stars and stripes
Much in keeping with the international flavour of the schoolboy tournament held at Bridgewater Centre Park in Arklow on the previous weekend, Arklow Town's Under 18 A team welcomed Peninsula University from Seattle in the USA to Lamberton for a highly entertaining encounter last Friday evening. The students are in Ireland for a fortnight in conjunction with Waterford IT and Carlow IT. The home side dominated throughout the first half, going close on a number of occasions with both Darragh Culleton and Jonathan Kelty closest to opening the scoring. Arklow continued to dictate matters after the interval, and their constant pressure on the visitors was rewarded when striker Dara Verney, turning sharpishly, shot from ten yards beyond the reach of the American keeper. Less than 24 hours later Town welcomed Enniskerry YC to Bridgewater Centre Park for the opening league fixture in the new U18 League. The Arklow side were delighted to welcome back both Keith Armstrong and Joey Elliott, the duo returning from lengthy spells out injured. Armstrong crowned his return to action with immediate effect, coolly firing home a free kick past the Enniskerry keeper inside the opening sixty seconds. With the half hour approaching Darragh Culleton doubled Arklow's lead, tapping in from close range after the keeper had done well to deny Jack Tim Murphy. With half time approaching Arklow went three ahead, Murphy this time getting the better of the keeper in a one on one situation. Verney netted Town's fourth in the early stages of the second half. Craig Comiskey made it five when firing home a free kick in the 65th minute and five minutes later Dara Verney added a sixth, rounding the keeper before slotting home. Two minute later Town scored the goal of the game, a sublime finish from Clive Crammond, getting on the end of a Jack Tim Murphy cross. Jonathan Kelty put Arklow eight up in the 73rd minute firing home from eight yards. Crammond was again on the scoresheet with five minutes remaining and the Arklow side reached double figures with three minutes remaining, Comiskey profiting from Jack Tim Murphy's blocked effort. The icing on an astounding performance came in the last minute as DaraVerney completed his hat trick with Town's eleventh goal of the game.
The U18B team were less fortunate however in their opening fixture of the new season, going down 3-1 on their short travels to Wicklow Town. One of those days, though enjoying long spells of good possession, failing to convert a number of good opportunities, seeing Town punished. James Graham scored Town's goal on a day when the shooting boots were firmly left at home.