Leinster Senior League

<<< Season 08-09

May 7 Town land LSL Senior Division 1 title in style
Congratulations to Matt Britton and his team tonight, crowned deserved champions of the Leinster Senior League Division 1, a thumping 4-0 win over second place Drogheda Town confirming Arklow Town's season-long supremacy in the division.  A first half brace from Chris Burgess set Town on their way to the title and two further goals in the second half served only to put the icing on the cake, easing Town to the three points required to land the title and promotion to the Leinster Senior League Senior division next season.  Town have two home games inside the next seven days, Lissadel United coming to Arklow on Tuesday evening and Town will receive the trophy next Saturday evening when welcoming Edenderry Town to Lamberton for the last fixture of the senior season.

Apr 27 Town edge nearer to title with win at 'Stones
Town travelled to Greystones this evening in search of the three points that would virtually secure promotion to the LSL Senior division.  After Sunday's shock defeat at the hands of TEK, Town were determined not to drop more points tonight. Both teams started brightly and it was Arklow's Gavin Doyle who was first to test the keeper with a fine effort from the edge of the area. The league leaders then took the lead when Chris Burgess finished superbly, from just inside the box, after a fine through ball from the lively Thomas Morgan.  Town then suffered a major setback when Morgan received a second yellow card for handball.  After half time manager Matt Britton deployed a 3-4-2 formation and although minus a player his team looked the more likely to score with both Andrew Loughlin and Burgess going close, the latter striking a fine free kick off the crossbar.  Goal number two arrived when substitute Ian O'Reilly crossed from the right and Burgess tapped home to the delight of the travelling supporters.  Greystones did pull a goal back with five minutes remaining but Arklow held on to secure a valuable win in their search for the title.

Apr 25 Town stumble at TEK
Town hit a stumbling block in the race for promotion and the LSL Senior 1 title earlier today, surprisingly losing to a determined TEK side in Stradbrook.  With both sides in need of the points for different reasons this game was always going to be hard one to call.  TEK are fighting hard to steer clear of relegation and the Wicklow side need a few more points to be promoted.  In the first half it was Arklow who looked more likely to take the lead.  The best of Town's chances fell to Ian O'Reilly, but while he managed to beat the keeper with a lob he also managed to beat the crossbar.  TEK then took a shock lead on the half hour mark when a rare surge forward resulted in the ball nestling in the back of keeper Craig Britton's net.  Their left winger finishing neatly from the edge of the area after a cross from the right had eluded the Town's defence.  In the second half Arklow continued to press forward looking for the equaliser but TEK once again shocked the visitors with another score.  A rare mistake by keeper Britton resulted in an easy tap in for a TEK striker.  Arklow substitute Graham Lawlor managed to score what proved to be a consolation goal as TEK managed to hold on to the precious three points.

Apr 18 Metro Cup penalty shoot out agony for Town
Arklow Town were desperately unlucky to miss out on a Metro Cup semi final appearance earlier today, losing out on a 8-7 scoreline after the dreaded penalty shoot out was needed to seperate the two sides.  The game had finished level, 1-1, after 120 minutes of exciting football.  The Ballyfermot pitch was hard and bumpy but both sides still tried to pass the ball when possible.  Although the Dublin side currently play in the Senior Division it was Arklow who settled the quicker of the two sides.  Both Gavin Doyle and Chris Burgess went close with efforts that were well saved by the home keeper.  Town deservedly took the lead in the 35th minute when Andrew Loughlin headed home a Kieran Harte cross, into the net.  Town then pressed in search of another goal that would seal the victory.  However, it was the Orchard who somehow managed a goal from nothing with only three minutes remaining of normal time.  A mix up in the Arklow defence saw an unmarked Orchard striker roll the ball into an empty net.  Extra time failed to produce another score so both sides faced off in a penalty shoot out.  Arklow's Kevin Farrell struck a post with his penalty and in sudden death the home side's keeper became the hero of the day when he parried Dean Fletcher's shot wide.

Mar 31 Town on the verge of promotion, hoping for a Good Friday!
Arklow Town go in search of three precious points this coming Friday evening when welcoming Lissadel United to Bridgewater Centre Park for a key Senior 1 top of the table clash.  Lissadel, currently lying in fourth place, are heavily involved in the race for the second promotion place, as Town have been runaway leaders for a very long time now.  A win on Friday night will leave Matt Britton's side with 57 points (and four games remaining).  Third place Newbridge Town can only reach that total if they win all eight remaining fixtures, a tall ask.  However, taking nothing for granted, Town are not yet promoted and are determined to land the title alongside promotion to the Senior division.  Town's home form this season has been excellent with nine wins from ten home outings at Lamberton.  The visitors though possess a strong away record having won eight of their ten away games to date.  No doubt they will arrive in Arklow determined to make that nine away wins in order to advance their own claims for the second promotion place.  The two sides met last September with Town winning 2-0 thanks to a double from striker Gavin Doyle.  Kick off on Friday evening is at 7.45pm and with it being Good Friday a good crowd should be in attendance for what could prove to be a highly entertaining game.

Mar 26 Town edge closer to promotion
Arklow Town moved to within touching distance of promotion to the Senior Division with victory over Newbridge Town earlier tonight. The Newbridge pitch was passed playable during the day but it was very soft and Town took a while to settle into the game.  In fact it was Arklow keeper Craig Britton who was called into action first to deny 'The Bridge' an early lead when he spectacularly kept the ball out of the goal with a fine double save.  Arklow then took the lead from the penalty spot after Gavin Doyle was fouled just inside the area.  Captain Stephen Hurley held his nerve to send the keeper the wrong way to give Town a deserved lead.  The visitors then doubled their lead when Greg Kilkenny rose highest in the box to power home a header past the stranded keeper from a Hurley free kick.  Goal number three arrived ten minutes into the second half when Doyle turned his marker inside out before shooting past the advancing keeper.  Arklow defender Kevin Farrell then suffered what looked like a nasty cut just over his eye when he clashed heads in an aerial challenge with a striker.  The Town's physio David Blake patched the defender up and he came back into the game determined to play his part and put another three points on the board.  With twenty minutes remaining Newbridge scored what proved to be a consolation goal.  Their striker found space on the edge of the Arklow box to shoot to the corner of keeper Craig Britton's net.  The game was then wrapped up when the lively Chris Burgess broke free up the right wing, cut inside a defender and slotted the ball home for goal number four.  Town can now wrap up one of the two promotion places with a victory in their next outing - next Friday evening at home in Bridgewater Centre Park.

Mar 21 Town back on track
After suffering their first defeat in fourteen league games last Tuesday, Arklow Town got back to winning ways with a convincing victory away at Celbridge.  This win puts Town twelve points clear in the race for the LSL Senior 1 league title.  On a day of near complete dominance Town went in at the break 5-1 up.  Gavin Doyle and Chris Burgess both helped themselves to a brace each before Ian O'Reilly tapped home number five.  Just before the half time whistle Celbridge scored what proved to be nothing more than a consolation goal.  Midway through the second half the prolific Doyle notched his hat-trick by thumping the ball past the stranded keeper.  Manager Matt Britton was delighted with his side's reaction to last week's loss and knows his players must maintain this level of performance every week if they are to be promoted to the Leinster Senior Division.

Mar 16 Shock home defeat for Town - first dropped home points of the season
Arklow Town tasted their first defeat in fourteen games when losing at home to a spirited Moyle Park side.  The league leaders started off brightly and Peter Finnegan was unlucky not to give his side the lead when he shot just wide of the goal after just five minutes.   Moyle soon started to win a bit more possession and created a few chances of their own.  Park's centre forward had the best effort when he turned sharply in the box, his shot though was turned around the post by keeper Craig Britton.  The game's opening goal arrived from the penalty spot when the referee pointed to the spot, awarding Town a penalty after a defender had handled in the area.  The spot kick was duly dispatched by captain Stephen Hurley.  Most spectators thought Arklow would go on to claim all three points but Moyle had different ideas.  They battled on and were finally rewarded for all their hard work with an equalizer with a half hour left to play.  A late run by a Moyle winger saw him latch onto a long punt and finish calmly by the advancing Britton.  Then came the game's controversial incident.  After Town's substitute Lawlor was put through on goal, the advancing keeper came outside his area and handled the ball.  The keeper then lashed out at the Arklow player and was deservedly sent off.  The referee then surprisingly flashed Lawlor a second yellow for his part in the build up to the sending off.  With both sides now down to ten men the game was there for the taking.  Town's Thomas Morgan went close when his header grazed the post before Moyle scored what proved to be the winning score.  After gaining a free kick on the edge of the box the Park's right full curled the ball into the goal via a deflection off the wall.  A deserved victory for the hard working Moyle side and the Arklow boys will have to raise their game and get back to winning ways next week at Celbridge.

Mar 12 Town account for Newtown Rangers in Met Cup
A cold night in Lamberton as Town's attention switched to the Metropolitan Cup.  Newtown Rangers were the welcome visitors to Bridgewater Centre Park, they themselves looking for a good cup run to distract themselves after a miserable league campaign so far.  Town started strongly and it was quite obvious after the opening exchanges who was sitting on top of the league and which side was fighting the drop.  The lively Chris Burgess was the first to breach the away team's defence when he found some space in the box but his low drive rebounded back off the post.  The deadlock was broken after twenty minutes when Peter Finnegan scored with a contender for Goal of the Season.  After receiving possession forty yards out from goal Finnegan skilfully beat two defenders before unleashing a thirty yard drive into the top corner of the net.  The game's second goal arrived early in the second half when the hard working Burgess once again got free of his marker to finish low past the diving keeper.  Manager Matt Britton then introduced Jonathan Kelty and Daniel Ledwith, both players still playing schoolboy football within the club - with their display being a credit to the schoolboy's coaching staff.   Both players showed some impressive touches and were not fazed by their first appearance in senior soccer with the LSL team.  The game finished 2-0 with Town going forward to the next round.

Mar 5 Town exit Cahill Cup
Arklow Town were given a brief glimpse of what lies awaiting Town next season after being drawn to face LSL Senior Division leaders Bangor Celtic in the third round of this season's Charlie Cahill Cup.  Bangor currently sit on top of the Senior Division and are unbeaten all season while Town also have a sizeable lead in their race for promotion in the Senior 1 division.  An entertaining game, proving to be a great test for the Arklow men, who will want to play against this standard of opposition every week.  Town started brightly and skipper Stephen Hurley was the first to test Celtic's keeper with a low drive from outside the box.  Gavin Doyle then had a goal disallowed for offside which was hotly contested by the home side's bench.  The deadlock was broken just before half time when Bangor's winger curled the ball into the top corner from fifteen yards out on the right edge of the Arklow area.  The visitors doubled their lead early in the second half when their forward finished a fine move up the left wing by shooting low past keeper Craig Britton.  With ten minutes remaining the home side were awarded a penalty.  Chris Burgess was bundled over in the box as he tried to turn his marker resulting in Kieran Harte stepping up to send the keeper the wrong way and narrow the lead.  Bangor though defended very well and managed to see out the game and go into the hat for the next round.

Jan 31 Town record twelfth league win in a row
Arklow Town kept up their winning run with a narrow 1-0 win away at Skerries earlier today, a twelfth league success on the trot for Town.  On their small pitch the home side did well to frustrate the league leaders.  In the first half Arklow striker Peter Finnegan was unlucky to see his effort come back off the post and Andy Loughlin saw a long range effort well held by the home side's keeper.  The game's only goal arrived fifteen minutes into the second half.  The prolific Gavin Doyle put a fine finish to a move up the left wing involving Will Murphy and Graham Lawlor.  Not long after taking the lead, Arklow were then reduced to ten men when defender Ronan Ivory saw red for reacting to a late challenge by a Skerries forward.  There was no more major incidents to note and Arklow move closer to securing promotion to the Senior division.  After the game, Arklow Town announced the signings of Wicklow natives Dean Fletcher and Michael Roche from Bray Wanderers.

Jan 22 Tyrrell strike maintains Town's title charge
A single strike from defender William Tyrrell proved enough to preserve Town's 100% record at Bridgewater Centre Park this season and also stretch Town's lead at the top of the table to 16 points.  However, this fixture against lowly Broadford Rovers was anything but comfortable as the visitors proved to be game opposition.  Despite enjoying a large percentage of possession Town struggled to find a way through a solid Rovers defence who were determined to leave with at least a point. Town's lethargy was largely due to their lack of games in recent weeks.  The only notable first half effort came from Gavin Doyle who shot narrowly wide after being forced wide by the lively keeper.  In the second half Broadford tired and sat a lot deeper in defence.  Town pressed with a lot more purpose and started to find cracks in the defence.  Peter Finnegan and Kieran Harte both went close with good efforts before the deadlock was finally broken.  With just ten minutes remaining in the game Arklow scored from an unlikely source with William Tyrrell getting forward from defence and when Doyle pulled the ball back to him he drove home from just outside the box.  The win moves Arklow an enormous 16 points clear of second placed Newbridge Town and 17 points ahead of Drogheda Town, who still have four games in hand.

Dec 11 Town end year on a high
Town go into the Christmas break in a very strong position on top of LSL Senior Division 1 after a 3-1 home win over Greystones AFC.  No scorer details and no match report but Town's win is their eight successive home win of the campaign from eight outings.

Dec 6 Town open up a sizeable lead at the top
Just past the halway stage of the campaign and already Arklow Town have opened up a sizeable lead at the top. Facing a tricky away fixture away at Newtown Rangers earlier today Town travelled in confidence with eight straight league victories behind them and indeed they emerged triumphant once again with win number nine secured.  The bad weather of late left the Rangers pitch in bad condition but in fairness to both sides they still managed to play some good football.  It was Arklow who created the lion's share of chances in the first half.  Paul Werder's low drive after twenty minutes tested the home keeper.  Next up to try his luck was Billy Manley but his long range effort was tipped over for a corner kick.  The Town then lost captain Stephen Hurley to injury midway through the first half when he was on the end of a late challange by a Rangers defender.  Five minutes into the second half Arklow broke the deadlock.  Ian O'Reilly, on for the injured Hurley, rolled the ball calmly home after some fine work up the right flank by Ronan Ivory.  Goal number two arrived not long after when Gavin Doyle turned his marker in the box and beat the keeper with a shot to the bottom corner of the net.  Any chance the home side had of a comeback was gone when the referee sent two of their players off for late challenges, clearly the result of frustration from being dominated by the league leaders.  Doyle then saved the best till last when he volleyed home from outside the box to seal the points for a rampant Arklow side.  Final result:  Newtown Rangers 0 Arklow Town 3.

Nov 20 Town into Cahill Cup quarter final
Arklow Town advanced to the quarter final of the Charlie Cahill Cup tonight after a convincing 3-1 victory over Glebe North at Bridgewater Centre Park.  The fact that Glebe are currently playing their football in the division above had no bearing on the game and it was the Town who started the brighter, looking the better side throughout the 90 minutes. From the off the home midfield pairing of Harte and Hurley dominated their opposite numbers and started to dictate the play.  The game's first effort came from Burgess who let fly from outside the box, seeing his effort just go narrowly wide.  Greg Kilkenny was next to try to break the deadlock but he too saw his long range effort well held by the away side's keeper.  Not long after that Arklow's Gavin Doyle beat the offside trap, rounded the keeper and slotted home to give his side a deserved lead.  After half time the home side continued to press and looked the more likely to score. Then Glebe's hopes of an equaliser looked to be shattered when their right full misjudged a backpass and rolled the ball into his own goal. Glebe then pulled a goal back but once again Doyle broke the offside trap and showed why he is such a prolific goalscorer by rolling the ball into the bottom corner of the net after a fantastic take from defender Billy Manley.  So it's the Town who progress to the last eight and on this performance a lot of the senior sides will want to avoid a trip to Lamberton.

Nov 6 Town too strong for Broadford
After last weekends shock cup exit to Sacret Heart it was back to the League and winning ways for Matt Britton's side. Town travelled to face a Broadford Rovers side who currently lie in the bottom two of the LSL Senior 1 Division.  It did not take long to realise why each team faced different battles this season, one for promotion and the other relegation.  On the tight Dundrum pitch Britton deployed a 4-3-3 system to put the home side under pressure.  The formation worked from the off and the away side dominated the first half but did not register any scores on the board. Arklow keeper Craig Britton was a mere spectator for the game and was only called into action once when he saved smartly to deny Broadford an undeserved lead.  Not long after that attack Chris Burgess notched his first goal of the game when he latched onto a Daragh Murray flick to beat the keeper at his near post.  The spectators were then treated to a possible 'goal of the season' contender when Town midfielder Andy Loughlin beat the keeper from 35 yards with a fine strike.  With twenty minutes remaining Burgess scored the Town's third goal when he was put through on goal by Harte and he beat the keeper with a good strike from ten yards.  This result puts the Town seven points clear and as we approach the halfway point in the season.

Oct 30 Oh Sacred Heart of.....!!
Matt Britton's side suffered a shock exit from the FAI Intermediate Cup earlier this evening away in Tallaght, losing 3-2 after extra time to Dublin side Sacred Heart who play two divisions beneath Town in the Leinster Senior League.  This shock defeat means Town will not repeat last season's run into the FAI Cup proper.  No goal scorer details.  No match report.

Oct 24 Town go five clear at top
Arklow Town recorded their sixth league victory in a row with a comfortable 2-0 win away to Moyle Park earlier today.  Town started the game brightly, with the gale force wind at their backs.  Captain Stephen Hurley took advantage of the conditions when he curled a corner kick into the top corner to give his side a deserved lead.  The league leaders should have extended their lead soon after when both Loughlin and Kilkenny had good chances to score but narrowly missed the target.  The second goal arrived when Chris Burgess latched onto Kieran Harte's precise through ball and he finished with style to give Arklow some breathing space.  In the second half Town continued to dominate the play with keeper Craig Britton a mere spectator, only called into action once when he comfortably dealt with a long range effort from Moyle's striker.  Town had a few more goal attempts before the final whistle but were happy to gain another valuable three points and clean sheet.

Oct 16 Late Lawlor strike seals the points
Town's impressive home form continued tonight with another three points secured against a determined Glenmore Dundrum side.  Town, buoyed by a four game winning streak, started slowly, with the first half a pretty even affair in terms of possession and chances.  The Dundrum keeper did well to deny Chris Burgess and Kieran Harte while Craig Britton had to be sharp off his line to stop Wayne Byrne marking his return to Lamberton with a goal.  Town were much improved after the break, creating more chances and winning their personal battles all over the pitch.  Defender Kevin Farrell went close when his header shaved the crossbar before the home side were awarded a penalty, Burgess being felled in the area.  Up stepped Gavin Doyle but the keeper guessed right to deny the Town a deserved lead.  With just fifteen minutes remaining Town finally broke the deadlock when Graham Lawlor rose highest in the box to glance an inch perfect Hurley free kick home.  Town now lie five points clear on top of the division but know there is a long way to go this season.

Oct 13 Town advance in Charlie Cahill Cup
Arklow Town progressed to Round 2 of the Charlie Cahill Cup earlier tonight with a 1-0 home win over fellow LSL Senior 1 side Greystones United.  Manager Matt Britton made a few changes to the starting eleven, mindful of a key LSL league fixture this coming Friday evening against Glenmore Dundrum.  Darragh Murray and Peter Finnegan replaced Gavin Doyle and Chris Burgess up front and the duo linked well to cause plenty of problems throughout the ninety minutes.  The only goal of the game came from an unlikely source, when ex-'Stones defender Kevin Farrell rose highest in the box to power home a Stephen Hurley corner.  Town enjoyed a lion's share of the possession but could not find a second goal.  Despite several half decent attempts Farrell's first half goal was enough to see the home team through to the second round.

Oct 9 Town too strong for Valeview
Arklow Town progressed to the second round of the Intermediate Cup with a convincing win at home to Valeview Shankill.  The Town got off to the perfect start when Ian O'Reilly's effort from 20 yards found the top corner of the net with only two minutes played.  It was to get even better and before half time had arrived the Wicklow side had raced into a 3-0 lead.  New signing from Wexford Youths Gavin Doyle bagged himself two well taken goals before being replaced at half time by Peter Finnegan.  Arklow continued to control the game and the home side's keeper Craig Britton was rarely called into action.  With 20 minutes remaining in the game substitute Finnegan got himself on the score board when he neatly finished after a fine move involving the lively Burgess and Hurley.  Greg Kilkenny then headed Arklow's fifth goal before The Vale scored a consolation goal just before the final whistle.

Oct 2 Town move clear at the top
Arklow Town moved 6 points clear in the table after a convincing win against TEK United at Bridgewater Centre Park tonight.  An unbeaten home record never looked under threat when the Town raced into a two goal lead before half time.  The goals came from the impressive Chris Burgess and defender William Tyrrell.  The Stradbrook side were lucky to go into the interval only two goals down as Town were dominating the play.  Early in the second half TEK pulled a goal back before Arklow restored control of the game again.  Midway through the second half substitute Kieran Harte struck a sweet 25 yard free kick into the top corner of the net before Burgess wrapped up a fine team and personal performance by adding his second on the night.

Sep 27 Town stay on top with Doyle brace
Arklow Town travelled to newly promoted Lissadel United earlier today and thanks to two goals from Gavin Doyle, the match finishing 2-0 in Town's favour, remain on top of LSL Senior 1, three points ahead of Newbridge Town.

Sep 18 Town hit top spot
Arklow Town served notice earlier tonight of their intention for the season ahead with a thoroughly deserved 3-1 victory over a willing Newbridge Town side at Bridgewater Centre Park in Arklow in their early season top of the table clash in Leinster Senior League Senior 1 Division clash.  The home side could not have wished for a better start, with Greg Kilkenny firing home from close range after good work on the right flank from Chris Burgess with just three minutes on the clock.  Newly promoted Newbridge should have levelled minutes later, spurning a good opportunity at the back post.  However, they did find the back of the Arklow net, indecision on Town's left side seeing the Kildare side's wide man firing across without challenge.  A pin point ball eluded Town keeper Craig Britton and the Newbridge forward slotted home from three yards out.  The visitors, bouyed by the leveller, enjoyed a spell of dominance but were rocked on the half hour mark when Andrew O'Loughlin was felled in the Newbridge area by the keeper, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot and the away side reduced to ten men.  Arklow's measured captain Stephen Hurley duly fired Town back into a lead with a well placed effort into the left corner.  The Arklow side should have extended their lead before the half time break but Chris Burgess was thwarted by the substitute keeper who saved bravely at the Arklow man's feet.  Stephen Hurley played a wonderful defence splitting ball into Andrew O'Loughlin in the early stages of the second half but O'Loughlin's effort slid agonisingly past the near post and wide.  The home side continued to dominate, using the advantage of an extra player well.  Substitute Billy Manley edged Arklow closer to the points with a wonderful goal with just fifteen minutes remaining.  Newbridge were granted a lifeling, a route back into the game just two minutes later, when somewhat fortuitiously they were awarded a penalty.  However, Craig Britton stood firm in the Arklow goal and the visitors were left to rue a lifeline.  The victory sees Arklow move into pole position in LSL Senior 1 and though it remains very early into the season the Arklow side who so narrowly missed out on the title last season will be eager to ensure this season ends in a greater reward.

Images from tonight's game:

Sep 14 Town join Newbridge at the top
Arklow Town secured their first away moved with a 2-0 away win at Glenmore Dundrum yesterday, into a share of top spot in Leinster Senior 1 Division.  With the pitch in good condition and sun beaming down the Wicklow men went out and entertained a big crowd playing some excellent football.  From the first whistle Town dominated and the midfield three of Hurley, Morgan and Harte were controlling the play.  Arklow had plenty of chances to take an early lead but for a combination of bad finishing and good goalkeeping could not make the break through.  That was until the 30th minute when Chris Burgess shot from all of 30 yards into the top corner, to set Town on their way. Already we have a contender for goal of the season from the young player from Wicklow town.  In fact, Burgess and strike partner Wayne Byrne were causing major problems for the home side's defence.   Town remained one up going into the half time break.  In the second half, from a free kick just inside the Glenmore half, Hurley sent in a cross that William Tyrell met powerfully with his head to seal a well deserved victory and send Arklow to joint top of the Senior 1 table.  In the dying minutes of the game frustration got the better of the home side's left full who was tormented all day by the Town's wingers.  His over the top challenge earned him a straight red card and young Peter Finnegan was lucky to come away from the tackle with only minor bruising.  Town now face an early season top of the table clash, welcoming joint leaders Newbridge Town to Bridgewater Centre Park next Friday night.  Kick off is at 7.45pm and a strong support for the home team would be welcomed.

Sep 4 Poor away form continues
Disappointment tonight for Town with a second successive away defeat, at Edenderry.  Town, hoping to hit the top spot, were beaten 3-1.  No scorer details.  No match report.

Sep 1 Town maintain home record
A potentially frustrating evening ended in joy with Arklow Town deservedly securing all three points with a dramatic winning goal in the fifth minute of extra time.  Skerries Town arrived at Bridgewater Centre Park with a very defensive line up and with Arklow sluggish from the off, with only one chance of note created in the opening forty five minutes - Kieran Harte ghosting in at the far post to head a Greg Kilkenny cross narrowly wide.  Town improved in the second half but still could not break the visitors resolve.  The Skerries keeper was warned for persistent time wasting and this arguably resulted in a lengthy period of added extra time, as Town continually drove to find a winner.  Both Kevin Farrell and Graham Lawlor went close with headed efforts on target but the deadlock was dramatically broken with just seconds remaining, a strike from Daragh Murray ending in the back of the net, having deflected off a Skerries defender.

Aug 28 Britton sees red as Town pay the penalty
Disappointment for Arklow Town earlier this evening with a first reversal in this season's LSL Division 1 campaign.  After two home wins Town travelled to Marian Park in Drogheda to face Drogheda Town.  Arklow enjoyed marginal control throughout the first half, limiting the home side to one weak effort on goal.  Arklow went closest to opening the scoring, with Thomas Morgan firing a shot past the home keeper, but also beyond the near post.  Ten minutes into the second half defender Kevin Farrell was somewhat harshly adjudged to have fouled a Drogheda attacker in the area, resulting in the home number nine netting from the penalty spot.  To compound a bad evening for the travelling Arklow team keeper Craig Britton was red carded for an off the ball incident.

Aug 25 Town open up campaign with a brace of home wins
Town have opened up their Leinster Senior Division 1 campaign with six points from six after two home victories, against Celbridge Town and Newtown Rangers respectively.  A fine display earlier this evening from Matt Britton's side against Newtown saw the home side on top right from the off, creating a number of chances.  With Town's dominance the visitors grew increasingly frustrated and a number of late challenges saw a number of visiting players booked.  Town made the expected breakthrough on the half hour mark with Graham Lawlor sidefooting home from inside the area after good work from Greg Kilkenny and Kieran Harte.  Town continued to dominate and the visitors failed to trouble keeper Craig Britton throughout the opening half.  Newtown's night plummeted further with the removal of manager and coach from the line, as Town continued to dominate.  Peter Finnegan replaced Kieran Harte and the young Town player was on the scoresheet almost instantly, after a through ball from the industrious Thomas Morgan saw Finnegan receiving, on the edge of the Newtown box, and he coolly curled his effort beyond the reach of the away keeper to double Arklow's lead and end the game as a contest.  Town had opened the season last Friday evening, when Celbridge Town visited Bridgewater Centre Park.  A blistering first half hat trick from Andrew Loughlin proved to be the difference between the sides.  Town were impressive in the first half and raced into a three goal lead.  The visitors pulled one back before the half time whistle and when they pulled back a second goal midway through the second half it set up a tense finish to the game, with a late Billy Manley tackle arguably denying the visitors a chance to dramatically level.

Town now travel to Drogheda Town this weekend but will welcome Skerries Town to Arklow next Tuesday evening, September 1 and all support for the team is welcome, as the push for promotion to the Senior Division continues.

Aug 10 Town gearing up for new season with strong pre-season
Matt Britton's side are gearing up for the new season with a series of pre-season games, introducing a number of new players into the talented squad.  Thomas Morgan, who captained the Republic of Ireland U21's to third place under Brian Kerr's management in Malaysia, has signed for Town this season.  Previous clubs for Morgan include Blackburn Rovers, Shelbourne and St. Patrick's Athletic.  Ex-Bray Wanderers and Monaghan United defender Wayne Byrne has also joined the club.  Will Murphy, another ex-Bray player (and Greystones United) has joined, as has Greg Kilkenny, a striker with experience at both Bray Wanderers and Kildare County.  Midfielder Alan Pike returns to his former club while Kieran Harte, another new midfielder, is an arrival from Shelbourne.  Andrew Loughlin returns to club colours also, having previously lined out for a number of Town sides.  Paul Werder and Jason Earls are both promoted from within the youth ranks.