WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 27th FEBRUARY 2022

Our WDFL premier team entertained Arklow Celtic under the lights at Whitegates last Thursday night. The lads went into the game full of confidence after beating the same opposition away from home recently. It didn't take the lads long to get their noses in front, after nine minutes Rovers hit the front when Luca Rampersaud got on the end of a Fundi Mlino cross to fire home. With the away team playing a high line it allowed the Rovers front three of Luca Rampersaud, Jensen O'Connor Cox and Jack Fox to use their pace to get in behind. Jensen O'Connor Cox made it 2-0 with an assist from Luca Rampersaud. Jack Fox made it three when he netted after another assist from Fundi Mlino. Rovers went in at the break with a comfortable 3-0 lead. The second half saw more of the same with Rovers dominating, Luca Rampersaud fired home his second from a cut back on the right wing from Jack Fox and then he completed his hat-trick when he was the quickest to react after the keeper failed to hold onto a Jamie Power shot. Celtic got a consultation with five minutes left. This was a good all round team performance from Rovers but Celtic really did push us at times and kept going even though they were three down at half time. Our third team travelled to the Coolboy Sports Grounds to take on Coolboy Rangers in the league on Sunday morning. The lads battled hard against a tough Coolboy side but eventually the home side got on top to run out 5-1 winners. The Rovers consolation goal came from Gary O'Connor.

Our under 18’s welcomed league leaders St Patricks to Whitegates on Saturday afternoon. On a blustery afternoon Rovers ran out deserved winners after putting in a very impressive display. Rovers started on the front foot pressing for the opening goal creating several good chances from corners and open play. Rovers went in front when they were awarded a free kick wide on the left, Luke Dunne swung over the resulting free to find Alex Sinnott at the back and he made no mistake with a bullet header across the keeper into the top corner to send the sides in at the break with Rovers one up. Early in the second period Rovers doubled the lead from a corner with Luke Dunne the provider again and Alex Sinnott scoring his second from close in. Credit to the away team they came back into it with a goal of their own halfway through the second half. Rovers were in no mood to surrender their lead and they pushed in search of a third and Rory Hannon went close to getting it when he rattled the crossbar with ten minutes left. Great win against the league leaders and a very impressive team performance.

The under 18 girls suffered heartbreak on Sunday morning when they lost 3-2 away to Rush Athletic in the semi-final of the Lee Brothers cup. A blustery day in Rush with the wind howling in from the coast to make conditions tough for football. Rovers took the lead within five minutes of the start with a goal from Molly Sweeney but it was quickly cancelled out by a well taken equaliser from the home side. This was developing into a game between two very evenly matched teams but Rush were able to use fresher legs due to their vastly greater number of substitutes. Rush scored again to make it 2-1 just before the half time whistle. The second half started brightly with Rovers now playing against the strong wind. The defence ably led by Aóibh Kelly, worked their socks off to keep Rush out. On a few occasions when they did get through they found a very strong Abi Smith in the Rovers goal in great form. Rovers felt they had strong claims for two or three penalties but on each occasion the ref waved play on. Rovers did break through to get an equaliser with Molly Sweeney again hitting the back of the net and this made for an exciting closing twenty minutes. Just when it looked like the game was heading to extra time a floated ball from around the half way line was carried by the wind to just dip under the crossbar to give Rush the victory on the day. A cruel way to lose the game but everyone of these girls gave everything on the day and hopefully they will have the rub of the green next time. Well done Hugh and the girls.

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.