HOLDERS BREEZE THROUGH

THE favourites came through the first round of the Wicklow Cup unscathed as the ties went according to the form book.

Holders Ashford Rovers had far too much class for Arklow Celtic B and they ran out overwhelming 14-0 winners at Ballinalea Park with Danny Byrne and Jay Taylor helping themselves to four goals apiece, Kane O’Shea and Jamie Kelly contributing doubles and Jem Clarkson and Daniel McCann also hitting the back of the net.

Ashford’s second string also booked their place in the next round, but they had a far tougher assignment, fighting back from a goal down to edge out Dearg Celtic 2-1 in Redcross.

Chris Sillery and Leon Murphy got the goals for the winners, after Michael Murphy had given the hosts the advantage.

Rathnew A romped to an 8-1 win over Division 3 outfit Carnew Celtic with hat-tricks from Leighton Glynn and Jody Merrigan, a Colin Jameson strike and an own goal, while the Villagers’ third team also recorded a comfortable victory, overcoming Carnew AFC B 4-0 thanks to a Craig Butler hat-trick and a John Sayer strike.

Carnew AFC A had a more fruitful afternoon as they saw off Newtown United B 3-0, with a John Kavanagh double and a goal from Brendan Behan.

Shamrock Celtic A needed penalties to shake off the stubborn attentions of Park Celtic after the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate after extra-time.

Celtic won 6-5 in the shootout, with Anthony Byrne, Noel McVeigh, Liam Theobald, Michael Hodgkinson, Stephen Doyle and Paul Ronan all successful from the spot for the winners.

Glencormac United outgunned Arklow United B 4-1 thanks to a double from Josh O’Callaghan and goals from Luke O’Callaghan and Mick Rooney, with Jordan Forde hitting the back of the net for the Arklow side.

Meanwhile, Roundwood eventually got the better of Ballywaltrim FC on penalties after a2-2 draw, while Arklow United A earned the local bragging rights with a derby win over Arklow Celtic A (see focus matches).