TRAPPER ON TARGET
Marah strikes late to give Wicklow Rovers victory
THE big challenge match between Wicklow Rovers and Arklow Town lived up to all expectation last week. The game between the clubs’ over-40s, in aid of Parkinson’s Disease research, entertained a large attendance at the Whitegates.
The Town came to do the business and they had the Wicklow lads wore out even before kick off when the Rovers lads could only watch on as the Arklow men went through their warm up routine.
Indeed, it paid off for Arklow as they made most of the early running as they put Rovers under pressure. Rovers kept things tight at the back and also made the odd attack themselves.
The home team gradually got a foothold in the game but it was the Town who went in front which their first half efforts richly deserved. Rovers drew level from the penalty spot when John Loughlin hammered the ball home and the sides went in all square at the break.
The Rovers side line looked like a scene from Casualty at the interval; four of the Rovers lads were out of action when they discovered they had muscles where they never knew they had.
The second half saw the Wicklow Town men push more forward and Billy Manley was called on a couple of times to thwart the men in green.
Both sides had chances to go in front as the game was played at a frantic pace. Just when it looked like the game was heading for a penalty shootout, Trapper Marah popped up with cool finish that was worthy of winning any match.
Arklow did have one more excellent chance but Robert Hollingsworth in the Rovers goal pulled off a world class save to ensure Rovers ran out 2-1 winners.
“Wicklow Rovers would like to thank all the lads who turned out for the club. A big thanks goes to Arklow Town FC who turned out in large numbers to make the day so special. Many thanks to referee Mick Quinn and his assistants, Butch Doran and Willie O’Brien, for doing a great job. Thanks to Anthony Earls who helped out on the day. A massive thanks goes to Mandy O’Neill, Rachel Bolger, Katie O’Connor, Rachel Hodgkinson, Hannah Cox, Anne O’Neill, Brigid O’Reilly and Rianna O’Neill who ran the club shop on the day. Also special thanks goes to Mandy for carrying out a collection around the pitch, well done Mandy. Thanks to Hannah Cox, who was the club photographer on the day, some nice photos Hannah, all photos are posted on the club’s Facebook page and the club website, well done Hannah.
“A big thanks goes to Edward Dunne, James Quinn and Derek Hannigan for making the event happen.
“Finally, a massive thanks goes to all the supporters who came along to support the elder statesmen of both clubs and kindly donated to a worthy cause. In excess of €1,200 was raised on the day, once again a massive thanks to everyone involved. After the game the teams went back to Ernies for refreshments and to relive past times. Rumour has it that both sides are getting back into full-time training in anticipation of the return match next year.
“Hopefully that will give the walking wounded time to recover”.