Mar 6 Six shooters share the spoils
"The future's bright, the future's orange", said the advertising slogan. Those present at Arklow's Community College witnessed one of the most joyous yet intense 'derby' games imaginable as two new Arklow Town under 8 teams came face to face in a highly enjoyable WDSL U8 Orange 6 encounter with both sides settling for a share of the spoils in a fascinating 3-3 draw. It proved to be a game that had everything. One team two goals to the good at half time, and cruising, suddenly finding themselves 3-2 down with just minutes remaining, and then levelling in dramatic fashion. Stupendous goals, tackles that would make a traditional Italian centre half wince and a game played in the most sporting of manners. Arklow Town F had taken a commanding two goal lead in the first half with two fine goals from Eimhin McCormack and Ross Breen. The drama though was saved for the second half as Town's G team hauled themselves back into the tie. Sean O'Neill drove forward from his central defensive position to smash home their first goal and he then followed that by netting from the rebound after his penalty had smacked off the crossbar just two minutes after his first goal. Sean Breen, industrious all game for the G team, drove home a wonderful third goal for the G team to give them the lead, but the drama was far from ended as Arklow's F team rallied. Jack Kavanagh netted from close range to ensure the spoils were deservedly shared, football the winner on the day. Both teams, a credit to their respective management teams, are products of the 6s and 7s Club, due to re-open its doors in the coming weeks. If every game proved as enjoyable as this then the future of schoolboy football is in safe keeping.
Images from today's game:
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Earlier at the Community College the 8A's suffered a rare home defeat, losing to an excellent Ardmore Rovers A side. One of those days for the team. The 8B team recorded back to back wins with victory this week over Newtown A. An excellent team performance from all players, it was Luke Cummins who fired home the only goal of the game to give Town the win.
The 8C's trekked to Wicklow Rovers E and again put on a fine display, sharing the spoils with the home side, 2-2 the final scoreline. Ryan Walker and Diarmuid McDonald bagged Town's goals but an overall team performance is what was most pleasing. The 8E team travelled to Glencormac and though losing 2-1 were content with a fine display from the new team. Dylan O'Reilly netting for the Town team.
Feb 20 Busy day for the 8's
A busy day for our under 8 teams with 6 sides out in action. The 8E team were first in action welcoming Glencormac A to the Community College. An exciting match from start to finish, Town played very well and though losing 4-1 the final scoreline did not reflect the closeness of what was a very good game. Keeper Fionn Nally made some exellent saves in the opening half. The home team went close when Justin Cannon cleared upfield to Dylan Smyth and he found Dylan O'Reilly, whose shot went just wide of the post. Glencormac enjoyed a good spell of pressure but excellent defending by Leon Kenny Barnes on several occasions averted the danger. Tom Kavanagh created a nice opening for Dylan O'Reilly who was again unlucky to see a long strike go wide. The away side opened the scoring in the tenth minute but this was cancelled just two minutes later with Dylan O'Reilly scoring from a free kick outside the area. Arklow were unfortunate not to take a lead with a great shot by Tom Kavanagh, unlucky to see it go wide. Cillian Doyle and Dylan Smyth also showing great enthusiasm and energy in front of the goal, close with fine efforts.
Town opened the second half conceding a second goal. However the boys kept going and Cillian Doyle was unlucky not to secure his first goal of the game following a pass from Dylan Smith. Dylan O'Reilly sent a blistering shot wide also. Glencormac broke away to grab a third goal and in the closing minutes a fourth goal was scored. Still, a fine performance from the new team with all players enjoying their game.
The 8F team then welcomed Glencormac's B team and they managed to put in a great performance, winning 3-0. Owen Moore played a starring role in an excellent team performance, grabbing two of Arklow's three goals. Ross Breen was also excellent and fully deserving of his goal. Town can be extremely happy with the team performance with everyone playing really well.
The 8B's travelled due west to Carnew to face the home side in the Yellow section and though putting in a fine effort they were edged out on a 3-2 scoreline. Cian Quinn netted both Arklow goals.
The 8A team travelled to face Wolfe Tone A in Bray and put in a magnificent seven style performance, firing home seven unanswered goals in a strong team performance. Goals from Callum Randall, Sean Crowley, Liam Moore, Christopher Furlong, Tomás Lynch and Chris Makin (2).
Four goals shared in Ashford with Town's 8D team and Ashford Rovers playing an entertaining draw. Shane Parle netted his first goal as did Niall Delahunt. Again, satisfaction in a fine performance from a very young side.
The 8G team lost on their travels at St. Anthony's B with Luke Scanlon on the mark for the G team.
Feb 13 Four new teams take centre stage in style
A great day for four new U8 teams taking their first dip into WDSL football, with the new 8D team leading the way, first on stage welcoming Enniskerry D to the Community College earlier today. A real end to end game, chances aplenty and wonderful support from the sidelines, all spectators adhering to the new Don't X The Line campaign impeccably, the game was swung in Arklow's favour with a lovely finish from the lively Aaron Bermingham who drilled home from five yards out, sparking great celebration amongst his team mates.
Arklow Town 8D squad is: Dylan Byrne, Jack Kavanagh, Iarla O'Donnell, Craig Kavanagh, Luke Kavanagh, Shane Parle, Conor O'Brien, Keelan Walker, Aaron Bermingham, Niall Delahunt, Matthew Burke, Conor Fleming. Management: Eunan O'Donnell, Mick Byrne, Tom Kavanagh, Eugene Parle.
Our new 8E team were also in action today, travelling to Ashford for their first taste of WDSL Shield football. The game proved to be a very exciting game from start to finish with the boys showing great enthusiasm, skill and energy. The game started with Ashford attacking the Town goal. However a number of saves by the Arklow goalkeeper Fionn Nally steadied the team and the players gained in confidence and ability, beginning to dominate, with great runs from Dylan O'Reilly and Dylan Smith. A goal in the 15th minute by Cillian Doyle was followed by another great goal from Dylan O'Reilly and the team went in two goals up at half time. The second half started with a goal from Leon Kenny Barnes, in the third minute. This was followed by a goal from Ashford's Alex Glynn and the game gained in intensity with both teams trying their best. The Arklow backs Cathal Byrne, Justin Cannon and Leigh Kelly Nolan worked incredibly hard to keep the home attack at bay. A great header by Tom Kavanagh found Dylan O'Reilly who tore up the field and narrowly missed netting his second goal. The Arklow forwards were pressing on the Ashford goal for long spells with a number of shots from Dylan O'Reilly, Dylan Smyth and Leon Kenny Barnes just missing the target. The midfield partnership of Cillian Doyle and Tom Kavanagh worked very well with both of them covering a huge amount of space defending and attacking. The game ended with Ashford's Kyle Porter scoring a second goal in the dying seconds of the match. All in all it was a great start for this very young team who are now looking forward to their next game in the Shield.
Arklow Town U8E squad is: Fionn Nally, Dylan O'Reilly, Leon Kenny Barnes, Cillian Doyle, Cathal Byrne, Leigh Kenny Nolan, Justin Cannon, Dylan Smith, Adam Long, Tom Kavanagh. Management: Steven Nally, Jim Long, Patricia Kavanagh, Michael Barnes.
A cracker of a game between not one but two new Arklow Town U8 teams as Town 8F and Town 8G came face to face for their opening game in WDSL football. Credit to all concerned for the preparation as both teams provided a thoroughly entertaining game for the large crowd in attendance. The 8G team scored that oh so often crucial first goal with Luke Scanlon firing home from close range. The game opened up with action at both ends. Sean Breen then doubled the 8G team's lead with a nice finish early in the second half. However, credit to the 8F team as their never say die attitude saw Leigh Hannigan pull one back. The comeback was almost completed in the last minute with Liam Shaw being denied a leveller by a fantastic save from the 8G keeper. Well done to all players from both teams for serving up a great game of football.
Arklow Town 8F squad is: Ross Breen, Callum Smith, Leigh Hannigan, Jack Kavanagh, Eimhin McCormack, Owen Moore, Sean Markey, Reily Hogan, Liam Shaw, Darragh O'Neill. Management: John Kavanagh, John Breen, John Carley, Lar Shaw.
Arklow Town 8G squad is: Darragh Synnott, Sean Breen, Cian Reilly, Luke Scanlon, Sean O'Neill, Kyle Nolan, Conor Nugent, Conor Mahon, Stephen Byrne. Management: John Scanlon, David Nugent, Michael Mahon, Darragh Weadick.
Our new Under 8 squads: 8D, 8E, 8F and 8G.
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Feb 13 O'Connor strike gives C's fine win over Rovers
Another fine example of schoolboy football took place earlier today with the meeting of Arklow Town C and Wicklow Rovers E. Both teams consisted of players to play the skilful football they are no doubt being coached. Ryan Kenny and Philip Eramsus were continually eager to raid down the right flank with some nice touches, with Diarmuid McDonald forceful in the middle of the park. First half keeper PJ O'Connor became goalkeeper turned poacher netting what turned out to be the only goal of the game, a nice finish underneath the impressive Wicklow Rovers keeper. Town's keeper in the second half, David Byrne, was equally as impressive. In all, a very fine performance from Town.
A strong performance and an entertaining game at St. Thomas's College in Bray today as Ardmore Rovers A and Arklow Town A served up a seven goal thriller. The home side struck first but their lead was short lived with Callum Randall netting for Town. Callum gave Arklow the lead with an early goal in the second half and Town's lead was further increased when James O'Brien fired home a third goal. Jack O'Reilly powered home a fourth goal for Arklow before Ardmore rallied late in the game with two goals. However, it was a to be a deserved win for Town.
Cian Quinn fired home two goals for a gallant 8B team in an entertaining match at Newtown. A good game, with Arklow Town showing nice touches across the pitch, the home team were to prove too strong. However, there was plenty on view for the management to believe that with a little hard work on the training ground that fortunes can change on the pitch.
Jan 23 Mixed fortunes for Town sides on their travels
Good to be back in action was the phrase of the day as both Town U8A and U8C teams hit the road for away fixtures, versus Ardmore Rovers A and Rathnew respectively. The 8A's put in a very strong performance, all players working well and they ended up winning 3-1 against a good Ardmore side. Jack O'Reilly fired Town ahead with an excellent goal in the first half and they doubled their lead early in the second half when Liam Moore got on the end of an excellent Sean Crowley corner kick to place home. Christopher Furlong added a third goal to seal the victory before Ardmore deservedly were rewarded with a late consolation goal. The U8C team were in Shamrock Park in Rathnew, another of Town's teams not to have kicked a ball for weeks. A real ding dong game but more importantly Town played very well. Rathnew opened the scoring with Oran Walker levelling for Town. Two further goals from the home team, slightly against the run of play did not deter the Arklow side from their focus and they struck back with two goals from Ethan Curran and Ryan Kenny respectively. Rathnew nicked the win late on with Town spurning a number of chances to add late goals.
Dec 19 Fabulous first win for B team
A marvellous game between Ashford Rovers A and Arklow Town B at Ballinclea Park earlier today resulted in a nine goal thriller and plenty of entertainment for all present. Even though Town were missing a couple of players today those who donned the white shirt played with great heart and all players showed magnificent commitment. Dylan Murray proved to be Arklow's hero on the day netting a couple of excellent goals. Without trying to single out players for special praise both Adam and Alex Simpson were excellent today. Similarly, excellent performances from Brian Fennell, Michael O'Halloran and Town's matchwinner Dylan Murray. Well played all and enjoy the Christmas holidays, hoping Santa comes to each and every one of you.
Oct 18 Eight's turn on the style
Another win for Town's 8A team, 4-2 at Ardmore Rovers A to preserve their 100% start to the season. The 8C team proved too strong for Coolboy at the CBS with a 5-0 win while the 8B's had a hard day at the office losing away to a very good Greystones United B team. This was a hard fought win for the 8A's, at the CBS, with visitors Ardmore Rovers A taking the lead early in the first half. Callum Randall finished off a great move to level things before James O'Brien put the Town ahead with half time looming, with the first of his three great goals today. James fired in his second early in the second half but Ardmore responded themselves to make it 3-2. The team all battled really hard for each other today and a fabulous flowing move saw James bag his hat trick and the Town's fourth to finish the game off. A great game to watch with both teams playing some great football. Congratulations to James on a fantastic hat trick but more importantly well done to the team for a great performance. Similarly with the 8C's, it was to be Ethan Curran's day, grabbing four of Town's five goal haul. Ryan Kenny bagged the fifth goal and like the A team it was an excellent performance.
Oct 11 Town edge past Rovers
Arklow Town U8A's continued their winning ways with a workmanlike victory over a hard working Wicklow Rovers A team at the CBS earlier today. Conditions were tougher than most appreciated with the pitch being very wet. The home team almost took the lead in the third minute with Callum Randall firing an effort just wide of the goal. Two minutes later, Wicklow on a counter attack were close to opening the scoring themselves but Liam Moore timed a block superbly well. It was Moore three minutes later going close at the other end running on to a loose ball just outside the Wicklow area and his drive was deflected wide. Town's possession and attacking nature deserved a goal and they grabbed one before half time. Wicklow packed the area as Town had a corner. The corner was only half cleared, straight to Chris Makin outside the area and he took a good touch before firing in a high ball that looped into the Wicklow net over the keeper. The second half was end to end, and though Town looked the more likely to score they were at times guilty of not passing the ball as well as they can resulting in chances being spurned. However, midway through the half, a lovely move, no more than five passes in total, from defence out wide right and across the box saw Callum Randall bursting in from the left edge and he half volleyed home a cracking goal, a wonderful move from the team. With five good passes the team showed how to play a free flowing game that can reap rewards and win games! The 8B team were a little unlucky losing 4-2 on their travels to Wicklow Rovers B.
Oct 4 B team finding their way
Oh they're a lively young bunch alright, the new U8B team, coming together nicely and playing some lovely football. Welcoming Ardmore Rovers to the CBS earlier today the team gave a very good account of themselves with all players working hard against a good Ardmore team. Unlucky to concede two goals the boys never gave up and no doubt with further encouragement from managers and parents alike will continue to progress in the weeks ahead. Keep up the good work boys!
Similarly, the U8C's are working well, and though travelling the short distance to Arklow United minus a few players they too gave a very good account of themselves before losing 5-2 to United's A team. Indeed, Town were twice ahead, with goals from Diarmuid McDonald and Oran Walker before giving way to their opponents.
Sep 26 A team continue impressive start to season
Arklow Town U8A recorded a third successive victory earlier today with a deserved win over Greystones United A, at the CBS. A good contest between two fine sides, scoreless after the opening half. Town upped through the gears though in the second half and even with an unlucky deflection resulting in the opening goal being an own goal it was worthy reward for a Town side working very hard indeed. Liam Moore and James O'Brien added further goals for the home team to put the seal on another impressive performance, the team beginning to pass the ball about to good effect.
Town's U8C team finally got their season started, with a trip to a strong Coolboy side. Though losing 4-1 there was plenty on view to please manager Austin Walker. The scoreline was a little harsh on the away side having hit the woodwork twice and then conceding a very late goal. Ryan Whelan, who enjoyed an excellent game, netted for Town and no doubt the team will move forward in the weeks ahead.
Sep 20 The "Brat Pack" firmly on song in Wicklow!
A big win for Town's U8A at the Hockey Pitch in Wicklow earlier today, defeating the home side 7-1 in a very entertaining game. Callum Randall bagged a hat trick, with Sean Crowley netting twice. Tomás Lynch and James O'Brien fired home the other Arklow goals in what was a wonderful team effort with all the players fully playing their part. The team, now in their second year together, are really coming together as a unit, playing some good passing football and thoroughly enjoying their game, which is the most important thing. Keep it going boys!
Meanwhile, back at the CBS, the U8B team enjoyed their first outing of the season playing a Wicklow Rovers B team. A good competitive game, some nice football played by both sides, ended with the visitors winning 3-0.
Sep 13 Town off to a flier at Ardmore
An excellent performance from Town's U8A side saw the team power past Ardmore Rovers A in Bray earlier today. Christopher Furlong netted twice for Town with further goals coming from James O'Brien and a superb header from Liam Moore. All in all, an excellent team effort from everyone, all the players eager to do well this season. The U8B team were less fortunate, losing away at Greystones United B in their first outing. Hopefully the team will continue to improve with training and the fruits of those sessions to be seen on the pitch.
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
U8A
Joshua Mills, Callum Randall, Tomás Lynch, Jack O'Reilly, Sean Crowley, Liam Moore, Chris Makin, James O'Brien, Christopher Furlong, Trevor Fitzgerald, Ben Fennell.
Managers: Alastair Crowley, Owen Moore.
U8B
Cian Quinn, Dylan Murray, Michael O'Reilly, Luke Cummins, Michael O'Halloran, John Boyle, Adam Simpson, John Fogarty, Caimin Kavanagh, Thomas Reynolds, Brian Fennell, Szymon Basinski.
Managers: To be announced
U8C
David C Byrne, Ryan Whelan, Philip Erasmus, Diarmuid McDonald, Aaron Kehoe, Oran Walker, Ryan Kenny, Nathan Bolton, Ethan Curran, Owen Mulligan, Eoin Coleman, Philip O'Connor, Darren Gilhawley.
Managers: Austin Walker, Cliff Whelan.
Note: All other players born in the year 2002 are advised to attend the next season of the 6's and 7's Club, which commences on September 26 and runs for a twelve week programme, ending December 12. They will then be assessed with a view to putting together a new team to participate in WDSL Shield competition in early 2010.