WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 17th APRIL 2022

Senior action was restricted because of the Bank Holiday weekend, the only teams to see action on the senior front were our under 19’s and the third team. On Wednesday night the under 19's welcomed title chasing St Patricks of Avoca to Whitegates, this was a game in which the away side were seeking a victory which would see them join our neighbours Rathnew at the top of the league with Ashford Rovers hot on their heels in the title race. It was a close tight encounter with both defences on top in the first half. The sides went in at the break all square at 0-0. Rovers had the better chances but at the midway point of the second half the away side started to build a bit of momentum putting Rovers under a bit of pressure. With eighteen minutes left on the clock Rovers hit the front through a Sean Murphy strike, his seventh of the campaign. Rovers saw out the remaining minutes without conceding to run out deserving 1-0 winners on the night. This was a good all round team performance from the lads. On Friday night the third team travelled to Bray to take on Ballywaltrim FC, it was the battle of the bottom two in the league. It turned out to be a very close affair with little between the two teams. In the end it was the Bray outfit who came out on top winning narrowly by two goals to one. The lads were a bit disappointed they didn’t at the least get a share of the spoils from the game. Shola Danoi netted the Rovers goal for his second of the campaign.

In junior action on Tuesday night our under 12B team suffered a 3-0 defeat away to Glencormac United at Ryders Field. The team came up against a Glencormac side who were on their game on the night. The team gave it a hundred percent and kept going to the final whistle. Our 13A's were at home to unbeaten Arklow United on Thursday night at Whitegates and Rovers inflicted the first defeat of the season on Arklow with an excellent 2-1 win. Rovers dominated for large periods and were guilty of missing numerous good chances. Eventually they found their scoring boots and goals from Dan Farrell, his fourth of the season and a first of the campaign from NJ Sinnott saw them claim three very good points in a good team performance.

Our Easter camp was a roaring success with 93 kids in attendance, we had a lot of potential stars on view throughout the week displaying their skills. Definitely a lot of footballers for the future, maybe even a Messi, Ronaldo, Salah or a Seamus Coleman. The kids had a great time all week despite the odd shower of rain, they played and took part with smiles on their faces. Just a few people to thank for making the camp a success. Firstly, a big thanks to Corrinna Collins, Paul Delaney and Anthony Earls for looking after the administration side of things, making sure everyone was signed in and making sure things ran smoothly while also carrying out a big clean up around the clubhouse. Thanks to Eoin Reilly who helped out around the grounds during the week making sure the pitches were cut and marked and footballs and equipment were on hand. Thanks to Stephen Clarke who set up the online registering system and provided us with the data sheets. Big thanks to head coach Johnny Dunne who oversaw the running of the camp and ensured things on the field ran off without any hitches. Thanks to our coaches Emer Kennedy, Lucy Rampersaud, Zach Harris, Ben Patterson, Mikey Merrigan, Tomas Kennedy, Luke Dunne, James Fagan and Alex Higgins who helped throughout the week. Last, but not least a massive thanks to the kids and their parents, without you in attendance the camp wouldn’t have been as successful as it turned out to be so once again kids and parents thank you.

The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne, Jimmy Nolan and John Kelly. 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.

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.