Wicklow Rovers U14B side tasted defeat for the first time this season, falling 4-2 to a strong Newtown outfit at Whitegates. The visitors, fielding a combined A & B squad, brought both numbers and experience, which ultimately proved decisive over the 70 minutes.

Despite conceding an early goal, Rovers showed great character to turn the game around, with Nathan Vickers and Frederico Caruso both finding the net to give the home side a 2-1 lead after 26 minutes. However, Newtown's dangerous No.9 struck again just before half time to level the game at 2-2.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Rovers working hard to stay in the contest. But the depth of the Newtown squad began to show, and their standout forward—clearly playing below his level—completed his hat-trick to swing momentum firmly in their favour. A fourth goal sealed the win for Newtown, despite a valiant effort from the Rovers side.

While the result didn't go their way, there were strong performances all over the pitch for Wicklow Rovers, and the team can be proud of their effort and determination. Thanks to Newtown for a competitive and entertaining match—we look forward to the return leg.