WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 26th SEPTEMBER 2021
On the senior front our Leinster Senior side suffered a disappointing 4-1 defeat away to Swords Celtic on Saturday in the first round of the FAI Junior cup. To be honest the lads have a host of players out injured at the moment and will be hoping to get some back on board soon when they return to league action. It was a bad day at the office, but it was always going to be tough when they were so much understrength. David O’Connor netted for Rovers from the penalty spot. On Sunday our WDFL premier side were involved in a twelve goal thriller away to Glencormac, the lads came out on top winning 7-5. Sam Brown led the way with a haul of four goals, Brian Harrington and Riain Sweetman added singles with the seventh coming from a wicked deflection. Shane Lincoln and Sean Murphy stood out for Rovers on the day. A good three points to start in a difficult venue. Our newly formed third team made the perfect start to the new season when they claimed all three points in a good 2-1 away victory over Arklow Celtic B. The lads will be delighted with this start, Angelo Harta scored their first with the second coming in the form of an own goal. Good start for the lads and gives them something to build on.
Junior action started on Friday night under the lights at Whitegates. Unfortunately for the 14B’s they lost out to a very strong Coolboy side. The team battled all the way to the final whistle and deserved the reward of a goal or two, but the away defence stood firm. On Saturday the 12B team recorded an excellent 2-2 draw with Greystones United A at Whitegates. This proved to be an exciting tussle with the draw been a fair outcome as both teams played some lovely football. Cathal Dunne and Charlie Gavin found the net for Rovers in what was a fantastic all round team performance. On Sunday the under 14A’s took on local neighbours Wicklow Town at Finlay Park. The lads came out on top winning 5-2, Jack Neville reached double figures when he registered a brace to bring his tally to ten for the season, Arthur Curran nabbed his third of the season with one and Stephen Kavanagh fired home his second of the campaign. Joe Culleton completed the scoring with his first goal of the season. It was an excellent all round team performance from the whole team. The under 15’s suffered their first defeat of the season when they went down 2-1 at home to Avonmore at Whitegates. They will be left wondering how they didn’t get something from the game as they dictated for large periods and take into account they struck the woodwork twice and also missed a penalty they will be feeling this was left behind. Charlie Czwalina netted for the tenth time this season to register the Rovers goal and they will look to getting back to winning ways in their next game.
The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne, Stephen Clarke and Jimmy Nolan. The academy takes place on the club grounds at Whitegates and 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.
Tickets are still on sale for our October 50/50 draw, the tickets cost €5 each. The draw runs on a continuous monthly basis with a guaranteed monthly winner who will receive 50% of funds taken in, the winner will also have the opportunity to top up their winnings by predicting the bonus ball in the main National Lottery draw the following night after been drawn out. The October bonus ball jackpot now stands at €1600, to enter the October draw all tickets must be purchased before midnight Thursday the 30th of September with the draw been held on Tuesday 5th of October. Tickets can be purchased online at www.wicklowroversclubshop.com or alternatively you can get your tickets from any committee member or club member. All draws will be live on the club Facebook page at 8pm. Thank you to everyone for your continuous support, it is very much appreciated by everyone at the club.
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, face masks, etc just visit the club shop or contact Colin Hindle at wrafcshop@gmail.com or by text at 087-1278510 . Also, if you want to give someone a present for Christmas 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.clubzap.com or the club facebook page.
