WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 18th SEPTEMBER 2022

Our Leinster Senior team were back in competitive action as their new season got under way when they travelled to Ringsend Park to take on Harding FC in the first round of the Leinster Junior Cup on Saturday. Rovers got off to a dream start when they hit the front on eighteen minutes. JT Moorehouse was in possession and with his strength he held off the challenges of two home defenders before brilliantly finishing over the keeper to put them in front. On the half hour mark Rovers doubled their lead when Nathan Sullivan finished well after some good work in midfield by Tom Smullen and Dylan Orr. The home side pulled one back with twenty five minutes left on the clock. For the remaining minutes of the game Rovers defended brilliantly to hold out for the win. The back four of Ian Brannigan, Ross O'Brien, Jamie Snell and Jim Foley were excellent all throughout the game. Two seventeen year olds, Tomas Kennedy and Luke Dunne were introduced off the bench to make their debuts for our LSL side and both players put in superb displays. This was a great start to the season for the lads who were also missing seven players through injury and other commitments, but it’s a chance for other players to stake a claim for their place in the team, well done lads

On the junior front on Thursday night our under 15's recent good run came to an end when they lost 2-0 away to title chasing Arklow Town at Travers Insurance Park. It was a closely fought encounter with both teams producing good football. The lads had their chances on the night but unfortunately luck wasn’t on their side.

On Saturday the under 11 greens came from behind to win a tight tussle at home to St Anthonys. One down early in the second period they battled back to win 2-1. Hank Murnane drew them level and a thunderbolt from Alessio Coppola late on saw Rovers claim all three points. Well done to both sides for an excellent sporting game of football. Our 11 whites recorded a great 2-1 away victory over Enniskerry, they led 1-0 through a cracking effort from Mikie O’Neill before the home side levelled matters. Rovers pushed for the winner and got their rewards late on when Simon Lynch pounced on a loose ball to poke home the winner from a corner. A good team display from Rovers against a good Enniskerry side. Our under 11 blue team went down 6-4 to Roundwood in a thriller at Whitegates. Cayden O'Malley, Alex Philippon, James Carroll from the penalty spot and Casey Brennan all netted for Rovers. Well done to both Rovers and Roundwood on producing an exciting encounter. Our 12B's earned a share of the spoils with a good 1-1 draw away to Roundwood. Robbie McCoy fired home the all important Rovers goal in what was a good all round team performance, well done to both sides. The 12C's turned on the style in their 5-1 away win over Arklow United B. Matas Araminas netted a brace with Lukas Araminas, Alex Kelly and Thomas McEvoy hitting singles in a good team display. This was a good entertaining match, well done to Rovers and Arklow United on providing a good tussle for the watching supporters. On Sunday the 13A’s drew 1-1 away to Arklow United courtesy of a Sam Goodbody strike. A draw probably didn't suit either in their quest for the runners up spot in the premier league. Both teams remain in contention for second spot along with St Patricks. 

The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eyes of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne, Jimmy Nolan and John Kelly. The academy takes place at Whitegates every Saturday. The academy 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 and the cost is €2 for the hour. 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. When it comes to the time to progress to team participation in an organised league academy participants will automatically make this transition. Everyone welcome.

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, 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 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.com or the club Facebook page.