U12 SHIELD A4 Connors and O’Brien do damage for Town
BRACES from Miley Connors and Michael O’Brien helped Wicklow Town secure the Under-12’s A4 Shield as they defeated Arklow Town 5-2 at Travers Insurance Park, Arklow on Sunday.
The early morning kick-off was a game of two halves and Wicklow Town did all their damage in the first, leaving Arklow with little chance of a comeback in the second.
Just two minutes into the game, a long ball up the field was taken down excellently by Miley Connors who controlled with his first touch and fired a half volley into the net with his second to give his side an early lead.
Less than five minutes later, a wicked long shot from Senan Shorthall crashed back off the post and into the area.
The ball arrived at the feet of Connors who made no mistake, slotting it into the net as he put his team 2-0 up and doubled his tally for the day.
Before anyone could catch their breaths, it was 3-0 to Wicklow Town.
Michael O’Brien showed great skill when he dribbled his way through the Arklow defence and slotted the ball coolly inside the far post, as Wicklow took what would be an insurmountable lead. With his teams very next chance O’Brien made it 4-0 by tucking away a rebound, with the score line reflecting a very one-sided fifteen minutes.
Following the avalanche of goals, Arklow Town began to find a foothold in the game, passing the ball and retaining more of the possession. Good link-up play saw Rocco Goodship put Sean O’Connor through on goal. O’ Connor looked to get his shot off immediately but was denied by oncoming goalkeeper Tiernan O’ Neill. The rebound bounced back out to Goodship but his effort was just over.
Arklow continued to press forward more and their play was rewarded with a goal on the twenty-minute mark. Lucas Fegan took control of the ball in midfield, dribbled past three Wicklow players and drove an incredible low effort in off the post to pull one back for Arklow.
Not long before half time, Chandy Humraskar restored Wicklow Town’s four-goal advantage. The ball dropped inside the area to Humraskar who took a touch and buried his shot into the corner as Wicklow Rovers went into the break leading 5-1.
After the second half began, Arklow played like a totally different team, looking much more assured in defence. Just three minutes in Sean Redmond found himself in space and finished nicely across goal as Arklow looked to stage an unlikely comeback.
Despite a few minor chances at each end, the majority of the second half was a battle in the midfield and the score would remain the same with Wicklow Town defeating Arklow Town 5-2 to be crowned the Under-12’s A4 Wicklow Shield champions.