WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 27th AUGUST 2023
Three of our junior teams were in shield action last Thursday night. The 13A’s made the short journey to Shamrock Park to take on neighbours Rathnew. Every time these two sides meet, they prove to be close exciting tussles, and this was no exception. Rovers were quickest out of the traps and when Richie Carton was taken down in the box, Sam Conyard stepped up to coolly slot home. Rovers were finding it hard to breach a solid home rearguard and then the home side levelled matters. Rovers responded immediately with Kale Conyard restoring the lead. Dan Connolly gave Rovers a two goal cushion but Rathnew never give up and they reduced the deficit. Rovers saw out the game to emerge 3-2 winners. Sam Czwalina, Ben O’Leary, Harry Bowen and Tiernan Shortall stood out for Rovers in a good team performance. Big thanks to our neighbours for another close tussle. The 13B's were in good scoring form in the Rocky Road on the same night defeating Arklow Town 7-2. To Arklow's credit they battled right up to the final whistle, but Rovers proved in clinical form in front of goal on the night. Will O'Callaghan helped himself to a brace, Dougie Bowie, Joseph Morrissey, Karl Uhlemann, Aidan Kelly and Darragh Reddin all hit singles in an excellent team performance. Our under 15's recorded a fine 4-2 away victory over a good Enniskerry side to maintain their hundred percent record in the shield. David Johnston hit the back of the net on two occasions with Josh McCall and Sam Behan adding one a piece. This was yet another impressive display from the lads as they keep their good form going. Big thanks to Enniskerry for a good competitive match.
On Saturday, the 12B's came up against a good determined Roundwood side with the teams drawing 2-2. Rovers started the best with Sebastian Gould and Matthew Gough going close. Roundwood went in front, but Rovers battled back to level things with a sweet strike from Cian Foley after a fine move. The visitors restored their lead early in the second period, but Rovers levelled again. Eoghan Daye's powerful shot hit the post with Daniel Morrissey the quickest to react to poke home the equaliser. As usual, Chris Delahunt put in an excellent shift all over the pitch with Charlie Lawlor and Eoghan Daye solid in defence. Cian Foley, Sebastian Gould and Eoghan Quinn also shone for Rovers. A huge thank you to Mark Wynne for excellently officiating the game. Also, thanks to Roundwood AFC for a great game. The 14B's were back in action after the summer break, the lads were away to Arklow United B. Both teams started well, but Arklow took the lead after six minutes. The lads kept going and got a goal back when James Cummins was put through to finish off a well-deserved leveller. Rovers lost Max Hennessy to injury and just after that Arklow got a second. The lads kept going and nearly pulled a goal back through a Turlough Byrne effort which tested the keeper. With a few minutes to half time Arklow got a third, so Rovers went in at half time 3-1 down. Rovers came back out after half time the better side, they had some good chances to score with Cain Lynch and Sean O'Keefe both testing the Arklow keeper. Arklow started to get back into the game and had a few chances, but the Rovers keeper Semen Volk was on fire making four great saves in a row. Arklow did find the net twice more in the dying minutes. The game ended 5-1 to Arklow United. Players who stood out on the day were Semen Vovk, James Gurrie and Cian Copeland. On Sunday the 13B's made it two wins from two with a comfortable home victory over a spirited Arklow United B side in the Rocky Road. Rovers were in excellent form with Will O’Callaghan, Darragh Reddin, Josh Murphy, Dougie Bowie and Joseph Morrissey all hitting the back of the net in a good all round team display. Big thanks to Arklow United for the game.
The venue for our Saturday morning junior academy will change because of the maintenance work been carried out on the main pitch at Whitegates. The club’s weekly junior football academy will continue every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coaches Johnny Dunne and Jimmy Nolan but for the month of August it will take place just up the road from Whitegates at East Glendalough Secondary School. 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. 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. It is a very good way for the kids to meet new friends and interact with others, all the kids are put in their relevant age groups and its open to boys and girls. Everyone is welcome to attend. The club would like to thank East Glendalough School for helping us out while our pitch is undergoing maintenance work, your help in these circumstances is very much appreciated, thank you.
Everyone at the club would like to wish under 12C player Gerry Connors a speedy recovery from a hip injury he was in hospital with during the week. We all hope to see you out and about and back on the playing field very soon. Get well soon Gerry.
