WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 15th JANUARY 2023
Our WDFL division 3 team made the short journey to Shamrock Park to take on neighbours and league leaders Rathnew AFC. A strong villagers team ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 4-0. The lads battled right up to the final whistle but couldn’t make any inroads on the Rathnew defence as Rathnew claimed the three points to maintain their spot at the head of the field.
The youths A team travelled to Ballygannon on Saturday afternoon to take on Avonmore in the youth's league and they kept their 100% start intact recording a fine 4-2 win. The lads started brightly and were creating some good chances but went behind from a penalty on thirty minutes. It wasn’t long before Rovers drew level after good work from Sam Christie found Charlie Czwalina and the striker made no mistake from eighteen yards to level matters. Alex Sinnott put Rovers 2-1 up with a header from a fine corner from captain Lorcan Sinnott. The second half saw Rovers again start brightly and with the wind at their advantage started piling the pressure on the Avonmore goal. Sam Christie went close twice along with Lee Brown. The third goal was a peach from centre back Jack Macklin, he lobbed the keeper from his own half to give Rovers a two goal cushion. Rovers put the game to bed when Lorcan Sinnott broke from midfield beating four players before rifling to the bottom corner. Avonmore did pull a goal back and again Rovers had chances from Brandon Battams and Ben Doyle, but the home keeper made two brilliant saves. A good performance from the whole panel today in windy conditions and on a heavy pitch. Alex Sinnott, Alex Earls and Keelan Darcy were stand out performers on the day. The youths B team eventually got their campaign off the ground when they entertained local neighbours Rathnew at Whitegates yesterday afternoon. In what proved to be a tight competitive local derby it was Rovers who came out on top winning 2-1. It was a close encounter between two evenly matched sides and Rovers will be delighted to take all three points against a spirited Rathnew side to get their campaign off to a winning start. Liam Dunne and Peter Quinn nabbed the all important goals in a good all round team performance. Well done to both teams.
The draw for the last 32 of the under 13 SFAI National cup took place over the weekend and our 12A's were handed a long trip away when they'll be on the road to Kerry to take on Killarney Athletic. It will be a tough assignment for the lads but on their day, they will be a match for any team left in the competition. The game will take place the weekend of the 4th/5th of February. It has been a great achievement to reach this stage and here's hoping for a positive result and a place in the last 16. Best of luck lads.
With the Christmas period now well and truly behind us our Saturday morning junior academy is back in full swing. Our academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] throughout the year 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. The cost is €2 for the hour. All kids welcomed. 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. We look forward to seeing you all back at Whitegates on Saturday mornings, see you there.
Everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC were deeply saddened to hear of the sad passing of former club player Gerry McCann, Dèmor, Oghil Lower, Redcross, County Wicklow & Wicklow Town. Gerry played for the club and was always the proper gentleman on and off the field. He helped a lot of young players adapt to senior football and always looked out for them, an inspiration to everyone. Our thoughts and prayers are with his son Michael, daughter Teresa, stepdaughter Emily and her husband Darragh and their children Ruairí and Èanna, sister Angela, brother-in-law Paul, niece, nephew, grandnieces, grandnephew, extended family and friends. May he rest in peace.
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.wicklowroversafc.com or the club Facebook page.
