Cox goal wins it for Rovers

Pat O’Toole Division 1

Wicklow Rovers got their first win on the board when edging out Arklow Celtic 2-1 under lights at Whitegates in their Pat O’Toole Division 1 clash on Friday night.

Rovers started well and pushed forward early with intent. They continued to press Arklow’s defence and were rewarded with a cracking goal from Patrick O’Keane.

Arklow gave the perfect response with some neat football that led to a Mark Doyle goal from a tight angle to level the game. Rovers continued to enjoy plenty of possession in the second half and penetrated the Arklow backline on several occasions but failed to capitalise. Arklow also had some good spells but couldn’t break Rovers down.

Just when a draw was looking likely Rovers pushed forward once more and when Stuart Cox needed to step up he didn’t disappoint, placing the ball neatly into the bottom corner to give Wicklow Rovers their first league win of the season.

Elswhere, Johnny Carton and Paddy Murphy got the goals for Wicklow Town as the drew 2-2 with local rivals Rathnew AFC.