WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 3rd SEPTEMBER 2023

Midweek action kicked off on Tuesday night when the under 14B's were at home to Enniskerry in the shield. The lads found Enniskerry to strong on the night and found themselves 2-0 at the break. After the break the lads were slow to get going and gifted Enniskerry a third goal, not much the Rovers keeper Simon Volk could do. The away side tagged on three more goals. The Rovers consolation goal came from Cian Lynch. Best players on the night where Kian Copeland, Steven Doyle, Jack Barry, James Gurrie, Simon Vovk and Turlough Byrne. Our under 12A's came out on the right side of a tough 1-0 win over a very determined Arklow United at Credit Union Park on Wednesday night. The result has left Rovers top of Group 2 of the Premier Shield with a semi-final to look forward to in the coming weeks. This was a very tight game played out between two determined teams. A nice move broke the deadlock thirteen minutes into the second half when Kevin Yan found Freddie Kavanagh who poked a lovely through pass into the feet of Mikey O'Neill who didn't hesitate to slot the ball into the net with his first touch what proved to be the winning goal. A huge thanks to Arklow United for the game and we look forward to the upcoming league encounter in the coming weeks. Well, something had to give on Thursday night in Vartry Park when our under 15's took on Roundwood in group 1 of the shield. Both sides went into the game boasting hundred percent records. Roundwood had won seven from seven with Rovers having won all their six shield games. It was Rovers who came out on top winning 3-1 to continue their excellent form against a strong Roundwood side. Jack O'Leary, Josh McCall, and David Johnston were the goalscorers on the night which sees them strengthen their pursuit of a semi-final final spot. It was an excellent all round team display from Rovers against a very good Roundwood team. Big thanks to Roundwood AFC for an excellent competitive match.

On Saturday our under 11 Greens and Whites came into direct opposition in a Jimmy Hackett Shield quarter final tie. The greens ran out winners on the day, but the White team showed incredible courage and spirit to put in a huge performance against the Green team. A hugely improved White team brought their A game to keep the Green team at bay in the first half, but just couldn't hold them off in the second period. Some excellent individual performances on both sides. Both teams showed the future is bright for Wicklow Rovers, and the support from the sidelines showed the club is building something special. Well done to both sets of players, coaches, and parents. Our under 11 Blue team beat St Anthonys B in the Jimmy Hackett Shield quarter final at Finn Park winning 3-2. The team can be proud of themselves after an excellent performance was produced. They played some brilliant football and scored some lovely goals. A rock-solid performance by everyone in a competitive game against a very good St Anthonys team. Jamie Noctor fired home three clinical goals from the top drawer for a fantastic hat-trick. Special mention to all the players in their first season as a new team, they work incredibly hard and deserve results like this. Every week they're improving and it's great to see them enjoying their football. A big thanks to St Anthonys for their part in a great game and a great advert for junior football. The 12A's produced a stunning comeback away to a very good Carnew side, trailing 2-0 at the break the lads came roaring back to hit four goals without reply to claim all three points in a 4-2 victory. A brace from Hank Murnane and singles from Eoghan Daye and Kevin Yan completed a fantastic revival to keep them well in the title hunt. Big thanks to Carnew for a great game. It was back to winning ways for our under 12B's. Rovers right side were causing all the trouble for St Anthonys from the start with Eoghan Quinn and captain Charlie Lawlor playing exceptionally well. Alex Philippon broke the deadlock with a great left foot strike on 28 minutes to put Rovers one up at the break. Rovers controlled the rest of the game, and a second goal finally came for man of the match Casey Brennan to wrap up a great 2-0 win. A great team performance and clean sheet for goalkeeper Matthew Gough and centre half Davi Loboschi. A big thank you to St Anthonys for a very competitive game. Our 12C's came up against a very strong Newtown Juniors B team at the Rocky Road with Newtown running out comfortable winners. To the 12C's credit they showed great spirit battling right up to the final whistle. They had a couple of good chances but couldn’t find the target. Thanks to Newtown Juniors for the game. The under 13B's recorded a 2-0 home win over Enniskerry at the Rocky Road on Sunday morning. The lads put in an excellent all round team performance with top goalscorer Will O'Callaghan nabbing both goals on warm morning for football. Big thanks to Enniskerry for the game.

Everyone at the club would like to wish under 12C player Nathan Byrne a speedy recovery from a fractured knee cap sustained during the week, we all hope to see you up and about very soon and back on the playing field. Get well soon Nathan.

The venue for our Saturday morning junior academy is still in East Glendalough Secondary School because of the maintenance work been carried out on the main pitch at Whitegates. The club’s weekly junior football academy will continue every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne and Jimmy Nolan. The academy is open to all kids from the age of 3 years to 8 years. The academy starts at 11 o’clock and finishes at 12. There is no need for registration so you can come along to any week that suits. Come along and learn the skills of football while having fun and enjoyment, it’s a great way of meeting new friends as you learn the skills as you get prepared for the introduction to participate in organised league football in the coming years. It is a very good way for the kids to meet new friends and interact with others, all the kids are put in their relevant age groups and its open to boys and girls. Everyone is welcome to attend.