WICKLOW ROVERS AFC CLUB NOTES WEEK ENDING 6th SEPTEMBER 2020

Our Leinster Senior team had another two games in the last week in a hectic schedule. First up were fellow title contenders Ayrfield United and the lads turned in a stunning performance to come from 2-0 down to win 6-3. The lads found themselves 2-0 down after twenty minutes but came roaring back to capture three valuable points. David O'Connor pulled one back on twenty five minutes when he powerfully drilled home from the spot. Just on the stroke of half time Ciaran McGettigan spectacularly finished from the left to level matters. A minute into the second half Rovers went in front when Ciaran McGettigan nabbed his second when he blasted home. In the sixty fifth minute Ciaran completed his hat-trick to make it 4-2. Ciaran had two more efforts saved with Ian Brannigan trying his luck from the edge of the area only to denied by the keeper. With six minutes left David O'Connor scored his second with a powerful header and Ciaran brought his tally in the game to four to make it 6-2 with a minute remaining. Ayrfield notched their third in injury time. Man of the match went to four goal hero Ciaran McGettigan with David O'Connor also impressing. On Thursday night the lads defeated Kilbarrack Utd 3-0 to put them top of the table on goal difference with a game in hand over nearest challengers Fairview. It wasn’t the performance we’ve come to expect from the lads but at this stage the points are what matters. Adam Cox was on fire as he hit an excellent hat-trick, his first was a glancing header from a Peter Finnegan delivery on fifteen minutes. He then coolly netted from the spot to make it 2-0 after seventy minutes and completed his hat-trick on seventy seven minutes when he got on the end of a Ciaran McGettigan pull back to slot home into the bottom right hand corner. In truth the final result flattered the lads a little bit, but they won’t mind as the three points were the main objective. Adam Cox netted three excellent goals, Rikki Quinn was impressive in the centre of defence but on the night man of the match went to David Rowan who was excellent throughout. He was strong in the tackle, won the majority of his aerial duels and was impressive in encouraging his team mates to battle when things weren’t going their way. His determination and willingness to succeed were second to none.  

On Wednesday night our 13A's went down to a disappointing 3-0 away defeat to Ashford Rovers, the lads never got going in this game as Ashford ran out worthy winners. On Saturday in the junior section the under 12A’s recorded a very good 2-0 away success over Arklow United, the lads put in a superb shift to claim all three points. Josh McCall hit the first with Aaron Fitzsimons nabbing the second in a good all round team performance. The 12B’s were involved in a seven goal thriller at Whitegates, they were 3-1 down at one stage but came roaring back to level at 3-3. Unfortunately, a wicked deflection late in the game saw Aughrim take the honours winning 4-3. Eoin Mitchell, Naoise O’Dubhslaie and Kirsten Harte all hit the net for Rovers in a battling display. The under 14’s had a bad day at the office as they went down 3-1 away to Roundwood at Vartry Park. The lads never reached the high standards they have set themselves in this game. Lorcan Sinnott hit their only goal with Dylan Vickers coming in for a special mention as Rovers stand out performer on the day. The 16’s were victorious at Whitegates defeating Coolboy Rangers 3-1, a brace from Robert Cherry one from the penalty spot and a single from Luke Dunne accounted for the Rovers goals in a good solid display. On Sunday our 13A’s went down to a disappointing 5-0 defeat away to Arklow Town, they were never at the races in this game and will be hoping to sort it out on the training ground before their next match. The 13B’s recorded their second win in as many games with a comprehensive 9-2 home win over Greystones Utd B at Whitegates. Jack Lambe led the way with a personal tally of four goals, Cameron Hughes weighed in with a superb hat-trick with Aaron Kavanagh and James Dunne nabbing one a piece in what was a clinical display from the Rovers team. Our under 15’s were ruthless in their performance defeating a spirited Greystones Utd side 8-2 at Whitegates to make it two wins from two since the resumption. Ruairi Jenkinson fired home four fantastic finishes for his hat-trick, Alex Sinnott followed his four goal haul of last week with another three this week for his second hat-trick in successive games with Sam Culleton completing the tally with a single.

The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning [weather permitting] under the watchful eye of senior club coach Johnny Dunne. The academy takes places on the all weather pitch 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.