U16 team travelled to Travers Insurances Park this afternoon in perfect conditions. Rovers started the stronger and created several chances but the finish deserted them. 

The front 3 of Albert Toma, Noah Doyle and Yanis Alexandru caused massive headaches for the Arklow defence. Arklow came into the game midway through the half and pinned Rovers into their own half. Arklow scored following a failed clearance. 

Arklow could have added to their tally but for Rovers keeper Lewis Merriman and his resolute defenders. Thomas Thornbury came off due to a knee injury, hopefully it is not too bad and he's back on the field soon.  Rovers were unlucky not to have a penalty right on half time, when Daniel Clarke appeared to be taken out just as he was about to strike on goal, however the referee saw it differently. 

The second half started with Rovers searching for the equaliser but we're hit with a sucker punch when Arklow scored on the counter attack. In fairness to the Wicklow men, they didn't give up. Casey Brennan reduced the deficit following some good wing play and persistence from Albert Toma and Daniel Clarke. 

As the seconds wound down, Rovers efforts paid off when Noah Doyle blasted an effort from the edge of the box into the top corner. The final whistle blew shortly afterwards. In a strong team performance, good displays from captain Brandon Goucher, Fionn Convery and Leon Lawless. 

Thanks to Arklow Town for an entertaining and sporting game