CLUB CALL
WICKLOW ROVERS
The senior men kicked off their season with a 2-1 victory over AIB FC at Whitegates.
The lads controlled the game for long periods and took a deserved lead on sixteen minutes when Jim Foley coolly sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.
The lads had several half chances to increase the lead, but it wasn’t till just before the break before they added a second and that came from the boot of the alert Gareth Murphy to send the lads in 2-0 up at the break.
The second half was more of the same but the lads failed to add to their tally and then had to endure a nervous time when the away side pulled one back.
The lads saw out the game to claim all three points to get their season off to a winning start.
Our senior ladies B team went down to a heavy defeat to Knockmitten United last Monday night in their final game of the season. The girls were very much understrength and had no answer to the firepower of the Dublin opponents. To their credit they battled away right up to the end.
In midweek junior action, Tuesday night saw our 15Bs lose 2-0 away to Arklow Utd.
These sides played out a 0-0 draw three days previous and it looked like we were going to have another 0-0 stalemate, but the home side then hit two goals in the last five minutes to bag the points.
On Thursday night, the 14As narrowly defeated Glencormac United winning 1-0 at Whitegates. Conor Hunter scored the decisive goal which earned his team three valuable points.
On Saturday, the 12As continued their title assault with three hard earned points away to Leicester Celtic. The lads showed great character to battle back from one down to win 2-1.
Jack Macklin levelled matters with a sweetly struck goal before Lorcan Sinnott nabbed the winner in a good battling performance.
The under-13As maintained their position at the summit of the League with a 2-0 home win over fourth placed Ballyoulster United at Whitegates.
In an excellent team performance Oscar Malcolmson and Stephen Gormley fired home the match winning goals which keeps them well in contention to complete a league and cup double.
Our 15As drew 0-0 away to Phoenix FC to keep them clear at the top, this was a good point for the lads as they suffered a defeat in the cup on their last visit to their opponents. It was a good all-round performance from the lads.
An understrength 15Bs went down to a 7-0 defeat in the first round of the Under-16 SFAI Cup away to Clane Utd. The team travelled without some of their regulars and it was always going to be a tough challenge.
The under-16s recorded a good 3-1 away win over Roundwood in the Choice Media Bowl. Paul Marah set them on their way with Thomas O’Neill and Ben Algera making it 3-0 before the break. The home team notched a consolation in the second period but the lads saw out the remainder of the game for a deserved victory.
On Sunday, the 14As consolidated their position in second place in the premier league when they defeated third place Ashford Rovers 2-1 on their own patch.
Ashford went in front but the Rovers of Wicklow roared back with goals from Jordan Younger and Tom Hodgkinson to claim all three points.
The under-15 girls started their MGL season with an excellent home win over Terenure Rangers in a seven-goal thriller. The away side went one up, but Rovers levelled with a stunning strike from Aoife Caffrey five minutes before the break. Terenure scored again to go in 2-1 up at half-time.
Rovers squared proceedings when Justine Cronin scored shortly into the second half but yet again the away side went upfield to retake the lead. Molly Sweeney drew Rovers level for the third time and then Justine Cronin nabbed her second of the game which proved to be the winning goal in a 4-3 victory. Abi Smith impressed in the Rovers goals in what was a good team performance.
Two club registration nights have been fixed for Wednesday, September 19, and Friday, September 28. They will take place in the clubhouse at Whitegates from 7.30pm to 8.30pm both nights.
BRAY BOWLS
The summer league season came to a conclusion last Wednesday night and our Division 6 team travelled to Kenilworth and came home with one point. As mentioned in earlier reports the team finished in second place in the league. A big thank you goes to those captains and selectors who gave of their time during the season. As you know the hurlers on the ditch can always do a better job!
Anyway all eyes are now on next weekend when the club championship finals take place. The two blue riband finals i.e. the ladies and men’s championship finals take place on Sunday afternoon when the 2017 champions Breeda Keogh and Christy McEvoy have made it to the final again where they will be up against Peg O’Toole and John Dunne respectively.
Other finals taking place include the Men’s 2 Bowl Singles featuring Brian Walshe and Niall Shelley, the Men’s 2 Bowl Pairs where the partnership of Aidan Galvin and Colm Heaslip take on Peter Gough and Nick Howlett, the Men’s 4 Bowl Pairs where Aidan Galvin and John Dunne are up against Tommy Cahill and Niall Shelley.
The mixed triples are also down for decision and in this John Dunne/ Terri McKeon/Patrick Brosnan take on the trio of John Reynolds/Jean Kane/ Gabriel Cahill.
There are still some semi-finals to be completed before all finalists in the Men’s Handicap Singles and Ladies 2 Bowl Singles are known.
Both Patrick Brosnan and Terri McKeon have qualified and await their opponents. As can be seen a number of people have qualified for multiple finals so they will be busy over the weekend. The full timetable will be published later in the week. The last session of the club lotto has commenced with Danny Heffernan being the lucky winner this week.
NEWTOWN JUNIORS
Our 12s and 14s were not in action last weekend so it was left to all the younger teams to fly the flag across the county.
Our under-8s travelled to Greystones to take on the Yellow team and they played some excellent football where David McCormack and Nathan Donohoe were the pick of the players.
The 9s found the going tough away to Arklow Town White but to be fair they plugged away. Jack Barlow and Lucas Dowdall scored for Newtown.
Our 10s travelled to Tullylusk to take on Avonmore and both teams served up a fine game in lovely autumn weather. Ryan Collins, William Valentine, Max Roche and Aaron Roy (first ever goal).
On the day, Nichita Neaga, Kacey Kelly and Pat Carey starred for Newtown.
Our under-11s maintained their 100 per cent start to their Champions League group with a resounding home win over Enniskerry White. Jake Robertson notched his third treble in consecutive games while there were singles for Naoise Lowe, Cathal O’Toole, Dylan Dunleavy, Cormac Chance and Dayle Carthy in what was an excellent team display.
Can I please remind all parents that if they are travelling direct to away venues that there are a couple of important things to remember and they are: 1: make sure you know where the pitch is, and 2: arrive at the venue in plenty of time as all players need to warm up prior to the game and it’s not good enough to arrive at kick off or 15/20 minutes into the game. Also, it is helpful to all coaches not only in our club but also across the country that all players/parents inform their child’s coach/s if they can’t make training or matches.
Please remember your child has football thanks in the main to the coaches who give up their time voluntarily and contrary to rumours are not on the huge big money contracts our friends in the pro game receive. Also, a thank you after your child’s game to the coach or ask him/her if they need a hand with anything would be very much appreciated.
All fixtures, competitive and non-trophy, will finish weekend November 17/18, followed by the WDSL awards, presentation day in the Parkview Hotel on Sunday, November 25, (details times etc. to follow in October).
Our ever-popular Development Squad started back and will continue every weekend from 10am until 11am and new players are welcome. The cost is €2 per head.
At the moment we have a large number of boys and girls attending each week and thankfully at the moment we have the required coaches needed but we wouldn’t say no to a few more volunteer coaches.
If you think you can give an hour or two each week, please contact our secretary at the contact details below.
We have three players from the club celebrating their birthdays in the coming week and they are Leon White from the Development Squad, Kevin Egan From the under-8s and Brooklyn Doyle from the under-11s. Happy birthday guys from everyone in Newtown Juniors F.C.
Our Last Man Standing competition will start back on September 29/October 1 and it’s our first one of the season. To enter it costs €10 per head and the more players we get the more money we can hand out. If interested in taking part please contact any committee member or coach in the club for further details. L.M.S. Rules are posted on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
For further information on all matters Newtown Juniors F.C. please contact the secretary at 087 6987653 or by email to hughienolan@gmail.com and you can also follow the club on our Facebook and Twitter pages.
BRAY WANDERERS
Lotto draw - There was no jackpot winner on September 16. Numbers drawn were 3, 11, 19 and 23. €30 lucky dip winners were Mary Byrne c/o Declan Crinion, Jillian Walsh c/o V. Walsh, Sean Mellett c/o Hibo. Next jackpot is €10,225.
Lotto tickets are on sale in the club shop at all home games and you can also play the Bray Wanderers lotto online through our website.
Fixtures - Bray Wanderers next game is at home to Limerick FC on Friday, September 21, in the Premier division. Kick off at the Carlisle Grounds is 7.45pm.
Match Tickets - To beat the queue’s on match night supporters can be purchase Bray Wanderers match tickets in advance online at http://braywanderersfc.ie/tickets-info/. Ticket prices for the 2018 season are: adults €15, students/ OAPS €10, children under 14 free when accompanied by an adult.
Students should note that proof of student ID will be requested upon entry at the stiles.
Underage teams - The under-19s drew 1-1 with Wexford FC at the Academy grounds in Carrickmines last Sunday. Goal scorer was Joshua Ojelabi.
Their next game is away to Cabinteely on Saturday, September 29, in Kilternan pitches. Kick-off is 2.00pm. The under-17s defeated Wexford FC 3-1 last Saturday at the Academy Grounds. Goal scorers were Jake Ellis (2) and Byron O’Gorman.
Their next game is away to Cabinteely on Saturday, September 22, in Kilternan pitches. Kick-off is 2.00pm.
The under-15s defeated Galway United 2-1 away in phase 2 of the under-15 league. Goal scorers were Andy Moran and Billy Vance. Their next game is at home to Galway United on Sunday, September 23. Kick-off is 2.00pm in the Carlisle Grounds.
Three of the under-15 squad were away last week with the Irish under-16s in Bulgaria. Billy Vance, Leigh Kavanagh and Andy Moran. Billy was on the scoresheet in the 4-2 win over Bulgaria.
Please note that underage fixture dates and venues are subject to change.
Supporters bus to Sligo - The next away game is on Saturday, October 6, to Sligo Rovers. The supporters club bus will depart from the Carlisle Grounds at 2.30pm. Prices are €20 for adults, €15 for students. To book a seat please call or text 087 9968969.
For the latest club news visit our website at http://braywanderersfc.ie.
AVONMORE FC
Avonmore U12A -v- Arklow Utd - Our under-12A team romped home to a 6-0 win when they hosted Arklow Utd in Tullylusk yesterday.
A complete team effort across the pitch with Rhys in goal once again keeping a clean sheet. Oscar Dowling was immense in the back line while Tyler on the wing also had an excellent game.
Goalscorers were: Kian Fluskey (hattrick), Paddy Harper, Conor Hayes and Mark O’Reilly. Well done, lads, keep up the good work.
Our first team lined out for their first game of the season today against St Anthony’s of Kilcoole.
Great football from start to finish. Fiachra Ryan kicked off the scoring after two minutes then goalscorer became provider for the equaliser after shocking back pass.
Then five minutes later we went 2-1 up from a great Adam Tuke strike.
We then pushed on with another great strike from Adam and then poured on the pressure and ended up game winners of a scoreline 11-2.
Goalscorers on the day: Cian (2), Fiachra Ryan (2), Dean Gahan (2), Adam Tuke (2), Trev Sheppard (1), James Byrne (1) and Eugene ‘Workhorse’ Dunne (1). We face Newpark of Kilkenny next week away in the Leinster Junior Cup. Avonmore abú.
ARKLOW TOWN FC
Late Night Leagues, seven-a-sides continue at Arklow Town FC on Wednesday night from 7-9pm.
Free entry for all those aged between 13-17. Bring your mates for a free game of ball. Spot prizes to be won aswell as Tickets to Ireland v Northern Ireland at the Aviva Stadium.
The Town played their first senior game in the Wicklow league in a number of years on Sunday and there was a lot of familiar faces in the line up.
Playing against Ashford, the lads started brightly and a superb free kick from captain Aaron Werder was just inches wide. With Arklow constantly pressing a great run by Joe Ledwith was pushed past the post.
Ten minutes to half time and Arklow were caught out by an Ashford break and an unmarked player buried the ball in the top corner.
In the second half, Arklow again were quick out of the blocks and quickly took command of the game.
Attack after attack was broken down with both Town wingers taken off with injuries.
A quick adjustment and Town struck back with a great individual goal from Joe Ledwith after beating three defenders.
It looked like Arklow would go on to win but with eight minutes on the clock a freak kick of the ball while the keeper was off his line bounced into the Arklow net. Ashford shut shop and battered down the hatches and Town could not snatch an equaliser.
The future is bright for this team who were missing five players from the squad on the day and were also carrying injuries. Several players showed great heart and were consistent in their play and encouragement.
Our U12 WDSL team welcomed Clara Town to Bridgewater Centre Park on Sunday in the first round of the Sketchers National Cup.
The team started off well - playing some nice football and creating some good chances, but we did not put them away and were made to pay for missed chances as it was the away team that took the lead.
Credit to our lads - they kept playing football and creating chances and, within a few minutes, the game was all level.
Just before half-time the lads took the lead and went in 2-1 up. In the second half we continued playing well. Goals scored by Shane Monaghan (3), Tiernan Gahan (2), Caden Kinsella (1), Darren Williams (1).
Arklow Town FC run a dedicated children’s football Academy every Saturday morning on our state of the art astro facility in our grounds in Bridgewater Centre Park.
Our ‘Little Astros Academy’ is free of charge and is open to boys and girls aged between four and seven years old.
Growing in numbers and popularity weekly, this Academy is held under the direction of Michael Walker and his dedicated team of coaches.
It’s aim is to introduce football to this age group in a fun manner in a safe and secure environment.
We welcome all newcomers to join us on Saturday mornings at 10am for an hour of fun football.
Check out our Facebook page at The Town - Arklow Town FC for all that is happening within our club.