WICKLOW ROVERS
The senior men played two games last week, on Tuesday their promotion hopes were dealt a blow when they lost 4-3 away to fellow promotion hopefuls Larkview Boys.
The first half was a period the lads would like to forget as they found themselves 3-0 down at the break, never reaching the high standards they have set themselves this season. In the second period they nearly pulled off an amazing comeback as they pulled it back to 3-3 before cruelly been denied a share of the spoils six minutes from the end when Larkview scored a fourth.
Tommy Kelly, Gareth Murphy and an own goal accounted for the Rovers goals on the night.
They suffered another setback when they lost 4-1 to another promotion rival Trinity Donaghmede on Friday. At the moment the lads seem to have an eye on their Polikoff cup semifinal but with six league games left they need to get a run going to keep themselves in the promotion mix. Ciaran McGettigan scored their goal on the night.
Our under 18’s recorded a good 4-1 away win over Mount Merrion, Luca Rampersaud and Daniel Fitzsimons both grabbed a brace to give the lads three welcomed points. The 17B’s went down 6-0 to league champions Avonmore in a late game on Sunday evening.
On Wednesday the 17A’s recorded a good 6-2 win over Arklow Town, Gary O’Connor and Evan Doyle both notched a brace with Cian O’Brien and Harrison Okungbowa firing in one each. Thursday saw the 17B’s go down 3-2 away to Aughrim in a closely fought encounter, Conor Collier scored for Rovers with the second coming in the shape of an own goal.
In midweek junior action Tuesday saw the 13B’s defeat Greystones Utd 5-0 in the quarter final of the Under 12/13 Challenge cup, a brace from Ian Kavanagh and singles from Charlie Phelan, Kacper Lepek and Ryan McConnell ensured a safe passage into the semi final.
On Wednesday the 12B’s went down 7-1 away to Baltinglass Town in the Carlow/Wicklow cup semi final losing 8-2 on aggregate, Eoin Kennedy scored their goal.
Our 14B’s drew 2-2 away to Arklow Town in the quarter final of the under 14/15 Challenge cup and then went on to win 4-2 on penalities. Zach Harris and Tom Farrelly netted for Rovers in ordinary time. The 15A’s drew 1-1 with Shankill FC to continue their unbeaten run in the league, Ross Quinn bagged his seventh of the season for them.
Thursday saw our under 16’s win their interim final when they defeated Coolboy Rangers away 2-0 winning 4-2 on aggregate.
Goals from Mathew Quinn and Paul Marah gave the lads a fantastic win. On the night every player played their part in this success, congratulations lads.
On Saturday our 12A’s recorded a good 1-0 win over Leicester Celtic in what was a closely fought match. The only goal that separated the teams came in the eighth minute with Lorcan Sinnott coolly slotting home his sixth of the season in a good team display.
An understrength 15A’s lost their first league game of the season when they lost 3-1 at home to Knocklyon Utd. They had the chances to get something from the game but they came up against a keeper at the top of his game. Ross Quinn notched his eighth goal of the campaign.
Sunday’s action saw an understrength 13B’s go down 3-0 at home to Arklow Utd, they gave it their all but just couldn’t breach a strong Arklow defence. The 14A’s went down 2-0 at home to local rivals Rathnew with a penalty in either half separating the sides. On the day our neighbours ran out deserving winners.
Congratulations to club honorary president Anthony Earls who received a certificate of excellence award in the Nell Healy Awards last Friday night. Anthony was presented with an engraved vase and his certificate for his service to Wicklow Rovers spanning over 43 years. Anthony has been working tirelessly for the club since he was part of the group that founded the club back in 1975 ensuring the enjoyment of the sport is had by kids and adults. More can be viewed on our club website and facebook page.
Congratulations to Mark Kennedy who won our recent Last Man Standing competition, Mark was presented with his €500 cheque by competition organiser Charlie Mitchell. Full details and photo can be viewed on our club website and facebook pages. Once again well done Mark. Also a big thanks to competition organiser Charlie Mitchell who done sterling work running the competition, all your hard work is very much appreciated by everyone at the club.
Everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC would like to extend their sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Michael [Mac] Hanlon who sadly passed away recently, our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this sad time, may he rest in peace. our website.
Fixtures - Bray Wanderers are at home to Derry City on Friday, May 4th . Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is 7.45pm.
Match Tickets - To beat the queues on match night supporters can now purchase Bray Wanderers match tickets in advance online at http://braywanderersfc.ie/ tickets-info/ . Simply print off your match ticket at home and avoid queues on match night. Tickets can also be purchased online by using any mobile / tablet devices and can be presented directly at the turnstiles on your mobile / tablet device with no printing of tickets required. Ticket prices for the 2018 season are Adults €15, Students / OAPS €10, Children u14 €5. Students should note that proof of student ID will be requested upon entry at the stiles.
Underage teams - The SJ.B Academy under 19s were defeated 3-1 at home to Waterford FC last Sunday. Aaron Hogan was the goal scorer. They host Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, 6th May in their next game. Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is 2.00pm.
The under 17s were defeated by Galway United FC 3-1 at the Academy Grounds in Carrickmines last Saturday. The under 17s are away to Kerry on Sunday, 6th April. Kick off is 2.00pm in Mounthawk Park in Tralee,
The SJ.B under 15s defeated UCD 4-2 away in Marley Park last Saturday. Goalscorers were Billy Vance, Andy Moran, Ryan Bowden and Darragh Lynch from the penalty spot. The under 15s next fixture is away to Sligo Rovers on May 15th. Note that fixtures are subject to change.
Merchandise - 2018 season jerseys are now in stock. They are available in Adult sizes small, medium, large, Xlarge and XXlarge. Price is €45.00. A new range of items are now available from the club shop and our on line shop. Black training tops (€30), black rain jackets (€40) and crew tops (€40) are available in Adults sizes Small, Medium, Large and XLarge. Merchandise can also be purchased from our on line store on the club web site.
All the latest club news is on our website www.braywanderersfc.ie