Superb win keeps Wicklow Rovers’ Polikoff Cup hopes alive

THE Polikoff Cup could still find its way to the Whitegates after a superb victory for Wicklow Rovers in the competition this week.

Rovers travelled to John Hyland Park to take on St. Francis - a side with fantastic cup pedigree - and they returned home with a place in the next round courtesy of a nerve-sapping penalty shoot-out victory. Gareth Murphy gave the green and whites the dream start when he swept home the opener after a mere three minutes.

That lead didn’t last long though and Rovers actually found themselves behind by the 13th minute as it appeared they’d awoken a beast. It would be level at the interval. Mark Johnson was the man to notch the leveller and despite gaining a numerical advantage on the hour mark, Rovers were unable to source a winner in normal or extra time against the 10 Saints.

It was not to be an opportunity wasted however as Mick Delaney proved to be the hero of the hour as he tucked away the decisive spot-kick to book Rovers’ place in the next round.

Two other Wicklow sides also ventured out in the Polikoff Cup this weekend. St. Anthony’s suffered a 5-1 at the hands of Transylvania FC. James Campbell netted for the Kilcoole side.

Blessington marched into the next round following a 2-0 triumph of Belgard Athletic.

Three more Wicklow sides faced cup action this weekend. Greystones United AFC won and lost in the Herald Metropolitan Cup and Larry Dunne Cup respectively.

The first team won after extra time on their travels to Verona. Karl Manahan bagged a brace with Shane Evans landed the winner in extra time. The second team crashed to a 2-7 victory against Bangor Celtic.

It was a Sunday to forget for Bray AFC this week. A trip to Marlay Park saw them trounced 4-1 by Spartak Dynamo. Richie Golden was responsiblt for the Bray club’s effort.

There were three more league outings for Garden County sides and they accrued two wins and a draw. Ardmore Rovers thumped Earl Celtic 8-2.

David Duffin (3), Karl O’Rourke (2), Alex Vort (2) and Alan Cleary did the damage for Rovers.

Enniskerry YC also managed a 1-2 victory as efforts from Shane McDermott and Adam Kinsella saw them come from behind to beat Larkview Boys.

Finally, Paul Ryan and Joe Ledwith were both on target as Arklow Town picked up a point against St. John Bosco.