WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 17th SEPTEMBER 2023
It was a busy midweek on the junior front with no less than five of our teams in shield semi final action. First up on Tuesday night were the under 14A’s when then entertained local neighbours Ashford Rovers in the premier shield semi final. Games between the two teams always prove to be close and this was no exception. It was the Rovers of Wicklow who were on top in the first half and went in at the break leading 1-0 thanks to a Sam Goodbody strike. Sean O’Brien came close to making it two when he struck the woodwork from a free kick. The second half proved to be a more even affair, but the lads killed the game off in the last minute when Cillian Czwalina fired home a rebound after the Ashford keeper saved well from Cathal Byrne to give the lads a 2-0 victory. Ted Hasler impressed in a good all round team display, big thanks to Ashford for another close sporting game.
On Wednesday night the 12B’s travelled to take on Newtown Juniors in the division 1 shield semi final. The lads started off slowly and found themselves one down after two minutes. The lads battled hard throughout the first half but got caught cold just on the half time whistle when Newtown doubled their lead. Rovers played much better in the second period, but it was Newtown who increased their lead. Eoghan Quinn then scored the goal of the game when after a great run he hit an unstoppable shot into the top corner. Newtown ran out 3-1 winners, a good effort from the lads, unlucky lads. We would like to wish Newtown the best of luck in the final.
On Thursday night we had mixed results in our under 13's shield semi-finals. The A team comfortably saw off Newtown Juniors at the Rocky Road in the premier semi-final. They were in clinical form in front of goals, particularly Kale Conyard who hit a superb hat-trick, Daniel Connolly helped himself to a brace with David McCormack, Ben O'Leary and Tommy Morrissey hitting singles. To Newtown's credit they battled right up to the final whistle with their goalkeeper making a handful of excellent saves. Kale and Sam Conyard produced some delightful football in a good all round team performance. Thanks to Newtown for the game. The B team were away to a strong Roundwood side in the division 1 shield semi-final and after an exciting tussle it was the home side who emerged victors winning 5-3. Will O'Callaghan scored two with John Jackson scoring one in a good team display. Rovers had their chances on the night and at one stage led 3-1, but it wasn’t to be. We would like to wish Roundwood the very best of luck in the final.
From Thursday night onwards mother nature took over with the under 15 premier shield semi-final been postponed due to a waterlogged pitch on Friday night. Things didn’t get any better Saturday with many of the scheduled games plus our junior academy cancelled. The under 14B's were the only game at competitive level to beat the weather and they suffered a bad day at the office when they had no answer to the clinical form of Avonmore at Tullylusk. The home side were ruthless in front of goal resulting in a comfortable home win. Rovers gave it everything and they battled right to the end. Unfortunately, things didn’t get any better regarding games played with a complete wipeout on Sunday.
Just a reminder to everyone that our Saturday junior academy has now moved back to 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.
With the second half of the junior season just getting back and the senior season starting, if anyone is looking to purchase club gear it can be done online by visiting www.wicklowroversclubshop.com So if it’s socks and shorts, a polo shirt, rain jacket, coaches jacket, etc or something small like a beanie hat, water bottle, etc just visit the club shop and order online. Also, if you want to give someone a present but don’t know what to buy you can purchase a club voucher, all club items will come with the club crest.
Anyone with anything for our club notes, Facebook page or our club website can contact me by email at jimmy.nolan09@hotmail.com or by text to 087-9108706. For all news regarding the club, check out our club website at www.wicklowrovers.com or the club Facebook page.
