Arklow Town FC Under 13 Season 08-09

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June 13 Town edge Final to seal Double
Congratulations to Arklow Town's U13B side and, equally, commiserations to a fine Greystones United A side, after both sides served up an entertaining and very sporting WDSL U13 Division 1 Shield Final at a sunny Shamrock Park, in Rathnew earlier today.  Greystones, unbeaten in Shield competition, and three times this season victorious in meetings with the Arklow side, were justifiably installed as favourites for the Shield Final.  Indeed, Arklow's task was heightened with injury ruling out keeper Andrew Tancred.  His replacement Aaron Jackson was to prove an able deputy.  Both sides opened brightly with Greystones, understandably, confident of pressing home their previous edge in meetings.  However, this was to be both Town's and Paul Nolan's day.  Loathe to single out any one player in a great overall team display, Nolan's herculean efforts in Town's defence nullified Greystones' attacking verve on countless occasions throughout the match.  Alongside Nolan, Town had unsung heroes in both Enda Dempsey and Matthew Snell, with Paddy Walker also putting in a display worthy of any final.  Equally the very same could be applied to Greystones' defence, with neither team able to unlock strong defences.  The deadlock was eventually broken, crucially in Arklow's favour, when midfielder Anthony Kelly fired home from distance, with the Greystones' keeper partially unsighted to the speculative effort.  With half time approaching, and Town firmly in the ascendency Greystones levelled.  The Woodlands outfit, 4-0 winners in the last meeting, might have been expected to wear down the Arklow side in the second half but that did not happen, as Arklow dug in deep, a very resilient team, and chasing a precious WDSL League and Shield double, were determined to achieve their ultimate goal.  Conor Doyle it was who struck a trademark effort, again from distance, with little more than fifteen minutes remaining, placing Town oncemore into a slender lead.  Try as they did Greystones could not find a second equaliser, with Aaron Jackson in Town's goal alert to all danger in the closing stages.  Town's win secures a fine League and Shield double success, adding to the Arklow club's already impressive haul this season.  Town manager Cathal Brennan, naturally delighted with his team's double success, was quick to commend a fine Greystones team and eagerly looked forward to next season's renewal of rivalry.

Images from today's Shield Final:

June 6 Injury overshadows Shield Final
Games between Arklow Town A and Wicklow Rovers A are always tight affairs, with little to seperate the sides.  However, a miserable day weather-wise, was added to with injury to Town's Lee Kenny during today's Shield Final.  Town began without Sean Byrne and Craig Kinsella (holidays and injury respectively) and with Kenny's unlucky break it was to be a day to forget, or to put into perspective, as Wicklow ran out comfortable winners on a 3-0 scoreline.  Unfortunately for Lee his injury today is likely to sideline him from participating in WDSL colours in the forthcoming Kennedy Cup and also cast doubt on his availability in next month's Foyle Cup, in Derry.  Everyone associated with the Club wish Lee a speedy recovery.

June 1 Town players enjoy Scottish trip with County side
Seven Arklow Town players have just returned from a weekend's training camp with the WDSL U13 county squad, who travelled over to Dunfermline in Scotland.  The county team will head to Limerick in a fortnight to play in the Kennedy Cup competition. Scottish club Dunfermline Athletic F.C were excellent hosts on the weekend, with the Wicklow side playing three games and undertaking one training session under the watchful eye of 'Pars' U14 Academy coach, Stevie Wright.  Wicklow opened with a confortable victory over Cowdenbeath FC, scoring ten without reply.  A number of Town players got on the scoresheet in this game including Shane Walker, Sean Hurley and Dean Doyle.  On a glorious Saturday in historic Dunfermline, the burial place of Robert the Bruce, the team played two further games. The first was against a team of trialists, all hoping to make it into the Dunfermline F.C. Academy team. The county team won this 2-1 with the Town's Craig Kinsella scoring the all important second goal.  The team then had an hour's rest before facing the Dunfermline Academy U14 team.  This team regularly plays against Celtic, Rangers, Aberdeen, Hibs etc. in their season and with the county team having already played a game in the stifling heat at midday it was a looking like a tall order for the Wicklow lads to get anything out of the game. Town's Sean Hurley put the Wicklow side 1 up within ten minutes after a mix up in the home defence.  The home side then scored three times without reply in the first half after some poor defensive lapses from the Wicklow team.  At half time the Wicklow lads regrouped and went on to totally dominate the Scottish League 1 side scoring two goals and having three other good chances to score. The game ended 3-3 with the County squad's stand in management team of Michael Mordaunt, the WDSL Head Coach, and Tomas Earls, happy with the resilience and ability shown by the Garden County youngsters.  All the Town players impressed the local coaches over the weekend.  As well as the players already mentioned, David Tompkins played two half games on the Saturday, nine days after having his appendix out.  He is indeed a rock in defence for both club and county.  Cormac Breslin was presented with the Man of the Match award after the game against the Dunfermline U14 academy, by Pars legend Davy Hunter.  Shane Walker's display, particularly in the second half of the last game, against the Academy side was outstanding.  Both Dean Doyle and Craig Kinsella turned in oustanding performances over the whole weekend and as mentioned got on the scoresheet in the games.  Lee Kenny impressed the management team with his terrific touch and ball retention, which enabled the side to get a footing in the last game when 3-1 down, and Sean Hurley was a thorn in the side of all three opposing sides with his power play on the left side for Wicklow.  He arguably scored the best goal of the weekend, although Craig Kinsella may beg to differ!  The home Coaches were impressed with the ability of all the Arklow players, and they were a credit to themselves, their families and their club with the way they played and conducted themselves over the weekend.  Thanks also to the back up team of Robert Kinsella, Paul Breslin and Michael Mordaunt who accompanied the Team and assumed various roles with the team.  Michael did a fabulous job of both organising the trip and managing the team, ably assisted by Tomas Earls from Wicklow Rovers. Robert Kinsella was in charge of entertainment for the players, and Paul Breslin was on Health and Safety which mostly meant making sure all the players had the Factor 30 on! In what was a terrific trip for all concerned mention must also be given to Martin Earls and Martin Byrne from Wicklow Rovers, who were the other two adults to accompany the 19 players.

May 17 Magnificent Seven lifts Town
Arklow Town B recorded an emphatic 7-2 win away at St. Patrick's earlier today to move ominously into contention in the WDSL U13 Division 1 Shield.  The Avoca based side, having made an excellent start to their Shield campaign alongside a good Greystones United A side, were keen on furthering their own Shield ambitions with a win over the Division 1 League champions from Arklow, who have opened their Shield campaign in frustrating fashion.  However, the Black and Whites showed their true colours at the picturesque Avoca venue despite having a number of key players absent through injury or sickness.  Town were magnificent from the first whistle and hit the ground running, firing home four first half goals to leave the previously unbeaten at home Avoca side wondering what had hit them.  Robert Lyons and Anthony Kelly excelled in wide positions, tormenting the home defence at every available opportunity.  Town's front pairing of Keith Byrne and Ciaran O'Reilly both showed great intelligence and no little skill in the opening half.  Town were equally as impressive after the break, with both Sean Loughlin and Conor Doyle powerful and commanding as Town refused to allow the home side a way back into the game.  Indeed Doyle was unlucky not to find himself on the scoresheet after an excellent effort on goal hit the Avoca post.  One of Town's unsung heroes on the day, Matthew Snell, was forced to retire five minutes from time with a knee injury.  Paul Nolan and Patrick Walker also shone in defence throughout, thwarting anything St. Patrick's had to offer.  Behind Town's resolute defence keeper Andrew Tancred enjoyed a good day between the sticks, denying a game opposition on numerous occasions with a series of fine saves.  Keith Byrne netted a hat trick to round a fine personal performance, with further goals for the Arklow side coming from Anthony Kelly (2), Ciaran O'Reilly and the excellent Dale O'Brien.  Arklow's win sees them closing in on both St. Patrick's and leaders Greystones United.  With games in hand and a busy schedule over the coming fortnight, Arklow will be heavily involved in deciding who reaches this season's Shield Final.  Final score:  St. Patrick's 2 Arklow Town B 7.

Apr 26 Valiant 13B's show great spirit
A great spirited performance from Arklow Town's U13B side in their attempt to join the Town's A team in the WDSL U13 Premier division.  The Town were certainly up for it, having travelled with only 11 players due to illness with three of the squad.  Ardmore did not know what hit them in the first ten minutes as Arklow controlled proceedings.  Against the run of play Ardmore went ahead and they scored again quickly, to go two up.  Arklow kept going and were reward with a well taken goal by man of the match Dale O'Brien.  He had the ball in the net again shortly after only for the referee to disallow it.  Then, just before half time, a disputed penalty was awarded to Ardmore, which was coolly dispatched to the corner of the net, leaving the keeper, Andrew Tancred, with no chance.  The second half was very competitive with the Town pushing to get one back.  They were rewarded with a penalty when Anthony Kelly was taken down after some neat dribbling.  Unfortunately the penalty was put wide and the game finished 3-1.  The management and parents were thrilled at the effort made by all and accepted it was not to be their day.  All are looking forward to adding the Shield to the League title already in the bag when it starts next week.

Apr 24 Hard working Town earn the points
Arklow Town's U13A team defeated Wicklow Rovers' B team 2-0 after an entertaining meeting of the two at Whitegates tonight.  Manager Paul Breslin offers the following post-match thoughts:

As mentioned previously this Wicklow team are resolute, strong and have hearts like lions.  They never stop working for each other and are difficult opponents in this league.  For ourselves, minus a ten minute period in the opening half where Wicklow missed a penalty and hit the crossbar this was one of our better performances of the season.  While there is no doubt that technically we have very good players in a number of positions, the workrate and the physical side of our game has been lacking on too many occasions this season, in my opinion.  Wolfe Tone away and Kilmacrennan at home are cases in point.  Having said that, as the whole idea with regard to children's football should be about teaching the skills of the game, enjoying the game and learning to be competitive in the sport, the team have progressed well this season in this regard.

The game itself was an exhibition of application and effort on both sides, sprinkled with moments of skill and vision and topped off with touches of joy and despair.  Wicklow will feel unlucky that they did not score 2 goals in the second half.  Arklow will feel unlucky that they did not score 4 more goals from the four one on one's with the keeper situations we had.  There can be no doubt to the neutral eye that Arklow should have won by a more handsome margin, given the chances we had, but as has been the case also this season we make lots of chances in all our games and will need to keep working on our finishing.  Shane Walker and Cormac Byrne scored the goals on the night.  Shane Walker, Lee Kenny, Cormac Breslin, and David Tompkins, possibly just edged the others in performance on the day but as mentioned this was a good team performance. 

Just a note of thanks to the Wicklow side, their manager Tony has them playing as an effective and difficult to beat team.  They are always sporting in victory or defeat and have a number of very good players who, in my view , are unfortunate not be be on this year's Kennedy Cup Panel.  We are now finished playing this team for another season and look forward to meeting again next season.

Lastly, seven players from Arklow Town FC have been named on the WDSL U13 Representative team to compete in the Kennedy Cup in Limerick - with the tournament beginning on June 15th.  This is an annual tournament where all 32 leagues in the country compete at under 13 level over a week on the University of Limerick campus.  Those selected from the club are: Sean Hurley, David Tompkins, Lee Kenny, Craig Kinsella, Shane Walker, Dean Doyle and Cormac Breslin.  The club would like to wish them and the team well during the tournament.  Just a thought for our players who did not make the panel.  Football is necessarily a game about opinions and the manager picked the team as he saw fit and that's his job.  The challenge for those who made the squad is to redouble their efforts and to prove the manager was right to select them.  For those who didn't make the squad the challenge is to also redouble your efforts to try to prove the manager was wrong in not selecting you.

Apr 5 Town ease to victory
Town's U13A's travelled to Ardmore and yet again they made hard work of a game that should have been over at half time, but which was in fact scoreless.  A number of good chances were spurned in the opening half which kept the home sides' spirits up.  The Town's two second half goals were scored by Shane Walker and Sean Hurley.  Both have been playing well all season and scoring regularly.  Both followed good build up play with Walker chipping the opener over the keeper who was stranded in no mans land, and Hurley scored the second, following good play down the left, with a rasping shot.  Ardmore are stubborn opponents who have come good at the latter end of this campaign.  Ballywaltrim is a difficult place to get a win with the narrow pitches and hard and bumpy surface which is not conducive to Town's passing game.  Colm Mythen played well as did Sean Harris, and Cormac Byrne in a business like performance.  The Kennedy Cup Squad will be picked this week.  The team have 9 players in contention for places on the Wicklow representative side that travels to Limerick in June.  It is expected that all have a good chance of being named in the final panel.  All the team would like to wish Adam Casserly a speedy recovery.  Adam broke his wrist earlier in the week and all wish him well.

Mar 29 13B's secure eighth WDSL League title in style
The WDSL League titles just keep on heading to Arklow Town after their U13B team eased to a convincing 4-1 away at a resolute Roundwood early on Sunday morning at the Vartry Grounds.  Needing just two points from their remaining three fixtures Town could not have hoped for a better start, with early goals from midfielders Conor Doyle and Anthony Kelly.  Doyle, hard working throughout, struck from close range while Kelly, a constant threat on the right flank, was perfectly placed to double Arklow's lead.  Captain Sean Loughlin powered home a header midway through the half and when Joseph Dunne, returning from a lengthy lay off through injury, turned to fire home a superb strike, the title was won.  Trailing 4-0 the home side rallied in the second half, aided by the fresh winds, Roundwood came increasingly into the game, a series of half chances being thwarted by Town's back line of Enda Dempsey, Patrick Walker, Matthew Snell and Paul Nolan.  The home side did manage a late consolation goal late in the game, a deserved rewarded for a concerted effort in the second half.  With both Malachy Brennan and Keilin Walker sidelined with long term injuries, Town's successful league campaign has revolved around an excellent spirit within the entire squad.

Mar 29 Kenny double puts Town on Shield scent
This is the third time that the 13A's have faced the Wicklow side this season, with the other 2 games ending in Town's favour, 8-1 and 3-0 respectively.   However, the latest meeting of the sides was somewhat closer in scoreline but if both teams had taken their chances the Town would have run out comfortable 9-3 winners!  This Wicklow team were resolute and very competitive.  The Town, again, conceded an early goal which was as a result of hesitancy by the defence and a Wicklow player poked the ball home.  The rest of the half saw the Town gain the upper hand and score a well worked goal near the interval.  The Town forced a free wide in the Rovers half and Lee Kenny decided against lumping it into the box -  something, sadly is all to commonplace in this league, and our football in general in this country.  Kenny played a short ball to Sean Byrne, the ball was worked across the field by the Arklow defence.  Cormac Breslin in the inside right position crossed into the box, with the ball going over all the heads and finding none other than the very same Lee Kenny, coming from the position where the passage of play had started, to sidefoot smartly into the net unchallenged.  The second half belonged to the Arklow side who had numerous chances with one on one situations with the keeper, as well as a shot cleared off the line.  Kenny again finished off another flowing move with 10 minutes left when he chested a cross beyond the Wicklow keeper.  Poor finishing had meant that Rovers still had a foothold in the game and they had two late corners to add anxiety to Arklow hearts.  The best team however won on the day against a spirited Wicklow team.  Lee Kenny was man of the match, followed closely by David Tompkins who played a leaders role throughout. 

The team would like to send best wishes to Malachy Brennan, who unfortunately broke his ankle last weekend, and also to our B team who won their league today.  Brilliant, well done boys.

Mar 26 Cup semi final draw made tonight
The draw was made earlier tonight at the monthly meeting of the WDSL clubs, in the Grand Hotel, Wicklow and much excitement and anticipation surrounded the semi final draw for this season's U13 Premier Cup semi finals.  Both semi finals are to be played at neutral venues on the weekend ending April 18/19 and the only definite tie to emerge from tonight's draw pits Wicklow Rovers A versus their B side.  Arklow Town await the outcome of the Avonmore versus Ardmore A quarter final before knowing for sure who stands in their way.

Mar 15 Comprehensive cup win for A's
Arklow Town U131A's progressed to the WDSL U13 Premier Cup semi final with a comprehensive win over a game Greystones United A side, at Lamberton earlier today.  The Greystones keeper was responsible for keeping the scoreline to single figures, with a succession of excellent saves, notably in the latter stages of the second half.  Of intererest also in this game, and probably unique on this or any other weekend in this league is that the Arklow keeper Ryan Murray did not kick the ball out of his hands once in this game.  All distribution from him went to one of his defenders and play was built from there.  As is mentioned to the players, the focus as far as the Club is concerned is to develop young players to be good footballers, and to be comfortable with the ball at their feet.  The highlights of the game were again a clean sheet, all players got at least half a game, and a wonder goal from Shane Walker who beat 8 players in a mazy run from right to left and back to the centre of the Greystones penalty area before stroking the ball past the keeper.  His performance in the second half was scintillating, with Greystones left sided players surely suffering from twisted blood after the game.  There were good performances from others also, including Sean Hurley, Craig Kinsella and Lee Kenny, coming back to his best form after a season and a half interrupted by illness.  The team are confidently looking forward to the next round of the cup and to the start of the Shield competition next week where Wicklow Rovers B will be warmly welcomed to Lamberton.

Images from the game versus Greystones United A:

Mar 7 Thirteens show sharp shootin'
Big wins for both Town's A and B sides, with victories over Newtown and Ardmore Rovers respectively.  The A team won comfortably at Bridgewater Centre Park, their last home league fixture with both Adam Casserley and Sean Hurley netting twice.  Highlight of the game was Michael Walker scoring his first goal of the season.  Town keeping a clean sheet was pleasing, a reward for good defence and although rarely threatened Ryan Murray was there to be called upon when needed.  In fact, he was forced to make one outstanding save after a misdirected header from a Town defender was goalbound before Murray's intervention.

Meanwhile, the U13B's firmly placed one hand on the Division One title with a thumping 9-1 win over Ardmore Rovers A at Ballywaltrim.  Goals from Robert Lyons (3), Patrick Brennan (2), Patrick Walker, Sean Loughlin, Conor Doyle and Anthony Kelly kept Arklow's title challenge firmly on course and it's now possible for Town to be crowned champions in their next (yet to be announced) fixture.

Mar 1 Home double for 13s
Both Arklow Town U13A and U13B sides recorded comfortable league wins earlier today, to maintain their respective pushes for honours this season.  The A team bounced back from last week's reverse to ease past Ardmore Rovers A with goals coming from Cormac Byrne (2) and Shane Walker.  The U13B's, enjoying the rare luxury of two back to back home fixtures further strengthened their own claims for the Division 1 title with a 3-1 victory over St. Patrick's, with goals coming from Sean Loughlin, Patrick Walker and Anthony Kelly.

Feb 22  Brennan strike puts Town within touching distance
The meetings between Arklow Town B and Aughrim Rangers A - second facing third in U13 Division 1 - are normally tight affairs, and the latest meeting of the sides proved no different earlier today at Bridgewater Centre Park, with the home side edging past Aughrim thanks to a lone Patrick Brennan strike midway through the first half.  Town had won the previous meeting between the sides, in Aughrim last December, on a similar scoreline thanks to Robert Lyons, and this time they started well though failed to make that tell in front of goal, going closest when Dale O'Brien burst through the Aughrim defence in the tenth minute.  However, he was unable to find the net and Aughrim escaped.  The away side were not so fortunate six minutes later.  Some fine work out on the right flank by Anthony Kelly was rewarded when Patrick Brennan, dazzling the visitor's defence with a new pair of boots than can be best described as bright lime green, controlled and turned his marker inside out before firing past the Aughrim keeper.

Town were dominant at this stage but failed to press home their advantage.  In the second half, Aughrim enjoyed most of the possession, aided by the swirling wind, and they worked hard to find an equaliser.  Town though have the best defensive record in the division and they were well tested by the visitors.  When called upon, keeper Andrew Tancred was there to intervene and deny Aughrim an equaliser.  Conor Doyle and Matthew Snell also ensured Aughrim could find no way back into the game.  And with the midfield working hard throughout a testing second half Town deservedly survived the Aughrim onslaught to record a welcome three points their first half display deserved.  Town now lie second in the table, three points behind leaders Greystones United A but with four games in hand.

Feb 15  Highs and Lows in cup clashes
The formbook went as expected today with a win for the U13A side at St. Patrick's and a tough day at the office for the U13B team who succumbed to a much stronger Wicklow Rovers A side.  Rovers no doubt will be glad to be backing playing after numerous weekends off without fulfilling the eagerly anticipated clash with Town's U13A side, the Premier title on the line with that game.  Town's 13B team can now focus on ensuring both League and Shield campaigns become fruitful adventures!  The 13A team eased into the next round of the Premier Cup with a convincing 8-1 win at St. Patrick's.  This game gave the manager a chance to look at some of the players in different positions as well as giving as much game time as possible to all players, with three substitutions being made at half time.  Commitment and improvement is the goal with these players and it was good to get back to winning ways following the disappointment of exiting the National Cup at round 5 stage (last 32) last time out.  Sean Hurley scored four, Craig Kinsella got two while Shane Walker and David Tompkins, playing in a unfamiliar centre forward position, weighed in with one apiece.

The Town also managed to hit the post on three occasions as well as having numerous shots on goal in this one sided affair.  The St. Patrick's lads battled to the end and at half time with the score 5-0 they decided to defend in numbers to prevent the scoreline reaching double figures, which they managed to achieve.  To their credit they managed to pinch a goal back following a defensive lapse and they played with great spirit until the final whistle.  Best for the Town today were Ryan Murray, Adam Casserley, Craig Kinsella, Sean Hurley, Colm Mythen, Lee Kenny and Michael Walker.  Following Wicklow Rovers big win over the 13B team the lads are looking forward to the away fixture in Whitegates to decide the League.  This fixture has been postponed on five occasions for various reasons so far this season and it is hoped that it can be played next week.

Jan 11 Town focus on league aspirations
Arklow Town U13A continued their impressive run with a handy 2-0 win away against Newtown.  While the Newtown lads tried their best this was an easy outing for the Town players.  All 15 squad players got at least half a game each with four substitutions made at half time.   Dean Doyle and Craig Kinsella were the scorers in the first half, which saw Newtown play with a seven man defence.  The surprise of this game is that the Town did not add to their tally in the second half of a game which they totally controlled.  The unsung heroes of this game, and indeed the season so far, has been the teams defence.  This is the same defence which held the Wexford County team scoreless for 80 minutes of football last weekend in the Crumlim United tournament.  Ryan Murray in goal has been outstanding.  David Tompkins, formerly of Coolboy, who was a target for Wicklow Rovers and a number of other clubs during the summer and who eventually opted for the Town, has been a huge asset to the defence and has been outstanding.  Michael Walker, Shaun Tyrrell, Colm Mythen and Sean Byrne have contributed hugely also in a terrific defensive display this season. The Town have kept a clean sheet in all but one league game this season. Next week sees Town travelling to Wicklow Rovers, to fulfil a key league fixture knowing they need nothing less than a win and three points if to put right the reversal suffered at home earlier this season. The confidence is sky high and the team are ready to put one over their rivals.

Meanwhile, the U13B side, going along swimmingly well in Division 1, suffered their first defeat away at rival title contenders Greystones United.  Patrick Brennan was Town's lone scorer in a 2-1 reversal.  Town are still well positioned in the table, with games in hand - so can enjoy a dollop of cautious optimism for the games remaining!

The game was theirs with a Sean Hurley strike enough to separate the sides - excellent work from Adam Casserley, finding Cormac Byrne in space and in a swift move Byrne fed Cormac Breslin who then played a weighted slide rule pass into the run of Sean Hurley, and Hurley hammered home an unstoppable effort from twenty yards.  Ryan Murray was excellent in Town's goal and in front of him both Michael Walker and Sean Byrne excelled.  Earlier today Town lost out to St. Patrick's Athletic in the semi final.  Sean Hurley netted for Town in a narrow 2-1 defeat leaving Town to face the Wexford county side oncemore, in the third/fourth place play off.  The sides again finished level after a good competitive clash and though the Wexford side prevailed after a close penalty shoot out success the weekend can be deemed a great success for the side.

Dec 21 Town maintain 100% record with Lyons strike
Arklow Town's U13B side made the short journey to Aughrim earlier today to face second place Aughrim Rangers in a Division 1 clash, important for both sides in their pursuit of league honours.  It's been hard on the Arklow lads thus far, a very stop start pattern to the season, numerous games postponed and walkovers rescinded.  The bottom line remains that the team needs to be playing competitive football on a more regular basis - so today's game, and performance, were highly welcomed.  Malachy Brennan was outstanding in goals for Town, pulling off a series of fantastic saves to thwart the home team.  Matthew Snell and Patrick Walker both put in superb performances, driving the Town team throughout the game and Robert Lyons secured all three points for the side with a fine finish from close range.  Elsewhere, sickness in the Wicklow Rovers ranks forced a postponement of the eagerly anticipated clash between Rovers A side and our own U13A side.

Dec 7 Town pass Edenderry examination
Arklow Town U13A’s secured safe passage to the open draw stage of the SFAI Troy Cup after an entertaining 4-1 victory over a gallant Edenderry side at Bridgewater Centre Park last Sunday.  The home side began brightly creating a number of chances through fine work on either flank from Craig Kinsella and Sean Hurley.  Lee Kenny opened the scoring for Town with an effort from close range on the quarter hour mark.  The Arklow midfielder pressured the Edenderry keeper into making a mistake and he was first to react, steering home the loose ball.  Town doubled their advantage five minutes later, with a strong surge down the left wing from Sean Hurley.  Hurley’s cross into the Edenderry area was superbly controlled by striker Adam Casserley, showing fine technique, and he beat the keeper with a sidefooted effort into an empty net. 

The visitors rallied strongly in the second half, determined to find a way back into the tie and they were rewarded with ten minutes left on the clock, a well worked move down their left wing, crossed in for the Edenderry forward to head home unchallenged.  With the Offaly side pressing for an equaliser, Arklow's response was measured and clinical in its execution.  Good work on the right wing between Craig Kinsella and susbstitute Dean Doyle saw Doyle presented with a half chance in the penalty area and he swivelled superbly before drilling home a key third goal for the Arklow side.  Kinsella himself put the icing on the cake with a superb finish from the edge of the box minutes later to seal Town's passage into the last 32 of the Troy Cup.

Nov 23 Town slam seven past Wolfe Tone
Arklow Town's U13A side bounced back from last week's disappointment at home to Wicklow Rovers with a thoroughly convincing one-sided 7-0 thumping of lowly Wolfe Tone A.  Town's Adam Casserley netted three times and the Bray native will have enjoyed his goals no doubt.  Shane Walker also weighed in with a hat trick; Sean Hurley adding the other goal, as Town were rampant.  Town face a massive test next weekend when travelling to play Edenderry in the SFAI Troy Cup fourth round, with the winners heading for entry into the last 32 at national level.  The U13Bs had their match away at St. Patrick's postponed.

Nov 15 Setback for Town with home league defeat
Disappointment for the U13A team in Lamberton this Saturday morning who deserved to get something out of this game versus Wicklow Rovers A.  Rovers are league champions from last year and like Town are unbeaten this year to date.  The game was played at a frenetic pace with both teams having spells in the game when they were on top.  Arklow were decidely on top in the first 15 minutes and should have been 2 goals up at least during this period when they had players clean through, in 1-on-1 situations with their keeper on 3 occasions, as well as other near efforts.  All were thwarted by Wicklow's goalkeeper who, as on so many occasions in the past, in games between the two teams, put in a man of the match performance.  The Wicklow defence who had yet to concede a goal in the league this year were decidely uneasy during this period but slowly settled thereafter. The match ebbed and flowed during the first half with Wicklow getting behind the Arklow defence on one occasion, for Rory Marron to fire straight at Arklow keeper Ryan Murray.  The second half continued in the same vein with Sean Hurley causing a lot of problems down their left and probing passes from Cormac Breslin and Lee Kenny continually turning the Wicklow defence.  Wicklow came strong into the game in the middle of the second half, and scored two goals in a disastrous five minute period for the home side.  The first was a an uncontested header two yards out from the Arklow goal by Wicklow's centre forward.  This was due to a moment's lack of concentration from Arklow's central defence who were magnificent throughout and limited their forwards to very few clear cut chances.  The second goal arrived five minutes later - again this was a misdirected Arklow clearance which went to Luke Earls at the edge of the box and his fine drive went in off the Arklow upright. The travelling fans who had been quiet throughout were now in full voice and Wicklow felt home and dry.  Five minutes later Shane Walker finally connected right, with a strike from 30 yards which went in via the crossbar.  Iit was reminiscent of Geoff Hurst's famous goal in the 1966 World Cup Final.  While Arklow pressed for the equaliser it wasn't to be.  This was a highly entertaining game of football for the crowd who came to watch.  It was played at a high tempo with great physical battles throughout the field.  There was only ever going to be a kick of a ball in the game and today it was Rovers who managed that.  Arklow players were not too disheartened at the end and like their manager feel confident that they can reverse the outcome when both sides next meet in Wicklow.  It is also clear with both teams still going strong in the National Cup that the Wicklow county team at this age group will be well populated by players from both these teams.

Nov 9 Town dig deep to overcome Tullamore challenge
Arklow Town advanced to the fourth round of the SFAI U13 Troy Cup after a herculean battle with a highly fancied Tullamore side at Bridgewater Centre Park in Arklow earlier today.  The Offaly side came with a sizeable support and having reached the last sixteen at national level last season, losing out only on penalties at that stage, would have fancied themselves to match that achievement this time also.  However, this Arklow side have ambitions of their own and it set the stage for a memorable clash between two very good committed sides.  Both teams indicated their willingness from the off to play good attacking football down both flanks and in Craig Kinsella Town enjoyed plenty of early joy down the right wing.  Cormac Breslin, who worked his socks off, whipped in a great ball for Shane Walker to control superbly and fire Town ahead.  Tullamore, looking very composed, levelled midway through the half after a series of passes split Town’s rearguard. 

Town regained the lead near half time with a Tullamore defender putting past his own keeper with Town’s striker Adam Casserley poised to slot home.  Arklow increased their work rate in the second half, restricting a lively Tullamore attack to fewer chances for a second equaliser.  Town’s entire defence held their line superbly though the one time they were breached Sean Hurley somehow managed to get back to produce a fantastic clearance off the line, with Tullamore certain to score.  It was to prove the game’s key moment.  With time running out, and the away side piling on incredible pressure, Arklow broke superbly and who else but the ever composed Shane Walker to slot home his second and Town’s third, much to the delight of the home attendance, to secure a very fine victory.

Oct 4 Town secure double over Rovers
Arklow Town U13A manager Paul Breslin offers his thoughts after today's 3-0 victory over Wicklow Rovers B maintained his side's impressive opening to the season:
Wicklow Rovers' B team were very much our bogey team last year beating us three times in all.  They have a never say die attitude to their game and a stubborn resolve which causes problems for most teams.  Indeed, their celebrated A team only managed one goal against them in last year's Shield Final.  Having beaten them 8-1 in our first game three weeks ago in Lamberton - I call it and will always call it Lamberton, just as West Ham supporters refer to their ground as Upton Park rather than the Boleyn ground, i.e. the geographical area is more important as a moniker than a soulless shopping centre.  As an aside, readers might be interested to learn that the first ever Labour M.P. in England was one Keir Hardie, elected at the turn of the last century in the West Ham ward, East London.

Just like the working classes in the East End who at the time sought new heroes to represent them, the Labour Party, the party of people who Labour, so it has been since 1948 that people in Arklow have laboured to promote the game of association football and for those years Lamberton, and no other place, has been our Upton Park.  The U13A team have this season sought to improve on a poor season last time out.  With three wins now the momentum is onwards and upwards.  While the East End (West Ham) won the World Cup ( Moore, Hurst, Peters)  forty years ago, it was a player from the East End of Arklow, Shane Walker, who put us on the road to victory today.  Shane scored twice in a first half dominated by the Town.  Our keeper Ryan Murray did not have one save to make in the first half.  The second half saw him somewhat busier with him having one corner to deal with, one free from outside the box and one shot.  Ryan will have busier days coming up.

The second half saw our utter dominance lessen to a degree.  Craig Kinsella's excellent strike to the roof of the rigging from twenty yards was all that we had to show for our twelve efforts on goal.  The man of the match was undoubtedly the Rovers keeper who made some good saves and drove the ball seventy yards from goal with each kick.  As mentioned at the beginning, the Rovers players can be proud of their efforts today.  Their will and tenacity, and at times good defensive display, meant that this game was never going to be a repeat of the 8-1 drubbing last time out at Bridgewater Centre Park.  That's a joke ,folks, I mean of course Lamberton....

Paul Breslin

Elsewhere, our U3B side departed the SFAI Troy Cup, losing at home 5-1 to Cabinteely Boys - Keilin Walker the scorer of Town's consolation goal.

Sep 21 Cautious optimism as Town once again rampant in front of goal
Even with a second successive 8-1 victory to their credit, Town manager Paul Breslin is keeping the two feet firmly on the ground, fully realising that the hard work has only just begun.  Town travelled deep into "Brian Cowen Country", the very heart of Offaly for their opening SFAI Troy Cup clash, away at Killeigh.  A convincing 8-1 result paints a clear enough picture of the game itself but Town's performance was still a good one.  Terrific efforts went unrewarded as Craig Kinsella, Cormac Breslin, Sean Hurley and Lee Kenny all saw shots rebounding off the woodwork after impressive passages of play.  Added to that, Killeigh's keeper was exceptional on the day, and fully earning his corn, to coin a phrase of old.  Town led at half time, a slender 2-1 lead that arguably masked the away side's dominance.  However, the goals came quick and fast upon resumption of play as Town put to bed the outcome of this tie.  Credit the home side though as they never once stopped trying to get back into the game.  In summary, a very solid team performance that augurs well for the season ahead.  Skill and fitness told on the day with no little individual flair on view.  A word of caution however, there is still much room for improvement.  Manager Paul Breslin is keen to see this side fulfil their undoubted potential this season and that will only come through hard work.  The team will this week hit the sand dunes and will train three times this week to try to bring this improvement.

Sep 14 Town off to a flier with thumping win over Rovers
Arklow Town U13A opened their league campaign with an emphatic 8-1 victory over a willing Wicklow Rovers B side at Bridgewater Centre Park, earlier today.  The home side began impressively with Cormac Breslin at the centre of Town’s flowing football down either flank.  Shane Walker went close to opening the scoring in the tenth minute with a powerful drive that flew inches over the bar.  The impressive Adam Casserley, making his debut for Town, opened the scoring minutes later and he doubled the home side’s lead on the quarter hour mark, a superb individual effort.  Sean Hurley, a willing runner all game, found space as half time approached to slot home a third and put the game beyond the visitors.  Town stepped up a gear after the break with Shane Walker leaving his mark on the game, scoring three excellent goals, the pick being a curling right foot effort into the top right hand corner after cutting in from the left wing.  The bubbly Lee Kenny added a late goal after some nice play on Town’s left wing and Sean Hurley netted his second and Town’s eighth in the closing minutes.

Kicking off earlier in the day were the U13B side, welcoming Avonmore to Bridgewater Centre Park.  Town started positively and a goal from Conor Doyle added to Town's growing belief and confidence.  Keilin Walker doubled Town's lead before half time.  Further goals came in the second half, from Patrick Brennan and George Horsman, with the final score ending 4-2 in favour of Town.  The management were delighted with the efforts of the players, all contributing to a fine opening day victory.