Aug 31 Rampant Town lift Shield title
The final fixture of last season’s WDSL programme was fulfilled earlier today at Newtown’s Community Ground when Arklow Town met Ardmore Rovers in the U14 Premier Shield final.  The Arklow side opened brightly with Darragh O’Leary making continuous raids down the left flank.  Ably supported by Stephen Kavanagh and the central midfield pairing of Mark Hardy and Ian Reid, it was Town who opened the scoring in the fifth minute, John Kearon sweeping in from the left to slot past the keeper inside the far post.  Mark Hardy added a second for Town fifteen minutes later with a carbon copy of Kearon’s initial strike.  It was Hardy again, adding Town’s third goal with half time approaching, getting on the end of some nice exchanges from Alan Sunderland and Ian Reid. 

John Kearon, who proved to be a thorn in Ardmore’s side throughout, added a fourth goal right on half time to put the game beyond the Bray side’s reach.  Credit the Bray team though for a spirited second half effort as they tried to get back into the game.  Their belief grew momentarily with a fine move opening Town’s resolute defence and a good goal being scored.  However, Ian Reid was in no mood to allow Ardmore’s revival to prosper and hammered home the goal of the game from distance, restoring Town’s four goal advantage.  With minutes remaining Alan Sunderland put the icing on the cake with a superb individual goal, cutting in from the right wing and curling a perfectly weighted ball past the Ardmore keeper.  Final score:  Arklow Town 6  Ardmore Rovers 1

Mar 15 Late goals dash Town hopes of national success
Arklow Town's season long unbeaten run finally came to an end in the wind and driving rain over in Galway earlier today as favourites Salthill Devon advanced to the semi finals of the Goodson Cup after a hard fought encounter with the valiant Town side, at Drom.  With so much at stake Town made the worst possible start to the match, opening nervously and conceding a sloppy goal as early as the third minute.  A defensive lapse allowed a Salthill player time to coolly slot home the important opening goal past helpless Town keeper, Anthony Nolan.  Despite the early advantage of a goal, the home side were finding it difficult to press further their advantage.  Town rallied and clawed their way back into the game, with Ian Reid and Shane Byrne spearheading Town's every move.  The away side were boosted with the awarding of a penalty in the twenty second minute, duly converted by the prolific Alan Sunderland.

As the weather deteriorated further the sides ended the first half level, with all still to play for.  Town started the second half brightly, determined not to repeat the mistakes from the opening exchanges. Ian Reid, again, was at the heart of Arklow's best efforts but neither side appeared able to create and convert chances presented in front of goal, the adverse weather as responsible for the sides remaining level as much as profligacy in front of goal.  Salthill Devon regained the upper hand as the second half wore on and just as minds began to wander towards extra time with the spectre of penalties looming oncemore, the deadlock was broken.  The Salthill Devon number eleven, a constant threat throughout, with little more than seven minutes remaining, was in position on the end of a left flank raid to fire home a second goal - and the lead - for the home side.  A cruel blow for the travelling Town side but in fairness the Galway side had been increasingly threatening as the game wore on.  In the closing minutes, as Town desperately pressed forward seeking an equaliser, Salthill sealed the win, once again a move down their left wing was not cut out and the number eleven was in for his second goal, and the home side's third.  In the end, a disappointing and frustrating exit for the Town side knowing the only difference between the sides on the day was in the last third of the pitch, where it matters most.  Quite simply put, Salthill took their chances and Town didn't.  Best players for the Town on the day were Ian Reid, Darragh O'Leary and Shane Byrne.  They, the team and the manager can now all reflect on what has been a great run at national level as focus now switches to matters closer to home.

Mar 13 Town face stern challenge in last eight
Great pride and a sense of achievement already as our U14s get set to head over to Drom in Galway to face the excellent Salthill Devon in their SFAI Goodson Cup quarter final clash.  No doubt the home side will be hotly fancied to advance to the last four, a club renowned for strength in depth at youth level, and forever to be found competing at the business end of the various National cups at most age levels.  In other words, a stern test awaits our own side as they head west.  The first step on the road to the last eight began back in September with a comfortable 5-0 win over Dublin side Firhouse Carmel, with John Kearon netting twice.  A month later, a trek to Offaly saw the Town ease past Birr Town, comfortable 6-1 winners, with Alan Sunderland grabbing the headlines after he too scored a double.  The third round encounter with Park Celtic was a much closer affair, with the Town thankful for goals from Mark Hardy and John Kearon in a hard fought 2-1 win.

Given a home draw in the fourth round saw the Town facing Clane United and they were never troubled, winning comfortably 3-0, with John Kearon once again on the scoresheet.  The win put Town into the last 32 at national level, with the draw once again giving Town a favoured home tie, this time against Mayo side Ballina Town.  Controversy surrounded the outcome of this nailbiter, but what cannot be overlooked is the Town's effort on the day, last month, when facing the challenge of the western side, minus five or six regular players.  It was Mark Hardy who scored what was to be the winning goal for the Town, from the penalty spot in a shoot out, but the real hero on the day was Town keeper, Anthony Nolan.  Into the last 16, the Town welcomed Kilkenny side Evergreen to Bridgewater Centre Park and with so much at stake for both sides it was to be an edgy game.  Town made the best possible start, taking a first half two goal lead, Alan Sunderland leading the way.  The Kilkenny side showed their mettle, throwing everything at Arklow and can count themselves a little unlucky to lose 2-1 to Town on the day.  The win saw Town advance to the quarter finals of the national cup - the SFAI Goodson Cup - a great achievement for a great bunch of lads.  It goes without saying that everyone associated with the club wishes them all the best this coming weekend as they set off for Galway, to face Salthill Devon.  As we have seen across the water this season, in cup football anything can happen.  Ask fans of Barnsley and Cardiff City......"come on the Town!" 

Mar 8 Town scalp Glencormac in Cup
With one eye on next weekend's clash in the quarter finals of the Goodson Cup away in Galway (at Salthill Devon), Arklow Town came safely through a Premier Cup quarter final tie with Glencormac, at Bridgewater Centre Park.  In the end, a 4-1 scoreline served to emphasise Arklow's superiority against a game Glencormac side who have won their opening three games in Division 1, scoring sixteen goals in the process.  Mark Hardy put the Town ahead after only ten minutes, a clinical low shot from the edge of the box.  Hardy went close again, in the twenty fifth minute, his shot troubling the away keeper, unable to hold the shot, and Kyle Dowling was on hand to double Arklow's lead.  From then on, the Town never looked back.  Substitute John Kearon put the issue beyond all doubt with a third goal for the home side, converting a lovely pass from Ian Reid.  He added his second, and Town's fourth, when getting on the end of a weighted pass from Mark Hardy.  Glencormac, for their efforts, were rewarded very late on with a consolation goal, but for the Town all eyes are now focused on next weekend's eagerly anticipated clash with Salthill Devon, in the last eight at national level.

Mar 2 Town open Shield account with six goal demolition
With no previous involvement in the Shield competition before now due to exploits on the national stage, the U14A side travelled to Wicklow to face Wicklow Rovers A at Whitegates, and the gulf in class was evident, as the 6-0 scoreline suggests.  Alan Sunderland continued to show his prowess in front of goal, scoring four of Arklow's total with other goals on the day coming from Ryan Forde and Liam Carroll.

Feb 23 Town reach last eight at national level in Goodson Cup
The Town's U14A side did themselves and the club proud when edging over the line against Kilkenny side Evergreen, becoming the first side to reach the quarter finals of the Goodson Cup, after a nervy and tight clash at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today.  The Town made the best possible start and took the lead on the quarter hour mark through Alan Sunderland.  Some great play down the right wing between Sunderland and John Kearon ended with Kearon getting out wide and crossing in an inch perfect ball for Sunderland to decisively head home, leaving the Kilkenny keeper with no chance.  Five minutes later, Arklow doubled their lead, again through Alan Sunderland, one on one with the keeper and as has been the case all season so far, Sunderland does not miss when the opportunity to score arises.  Two goals to the good, Arklow could not have wished for better but Evergreen offered a reminder as half time approached, halving the Town's advantage after sloppy defending from a corner kick saw the Kilkenny side scoring to give them hope.  The away side, truth be told, piled on the pressure in the second half in search of an equaliser.  Arklow, very much a backs to the wall job, offered sporadic threat on the counter, and in the end were thankful to hear the sound of the final whistle, passage just about secured into the last eight at national level - a testament to the team and management, a great achievement.  They now face a trip to the winners of the Salthill Devon v Bohemians tie in the quarter finals.

Feb 17 Room for improvement in cup success
Despite the concession of an early goal, Arklow Town's still unbeaten this season 14As notched up another cup success on their travels, winning away at Ardmore Rovers, 5-2.  A foul on Alan Sunderland saw the striker level matters from the penalty spot after twenty minutes and both Mark Hardy and Liam Carroll added two goals further apiece to confirm the Town's superiority on the day.  However, there was plenty of room for improvement after today's performance.

Feb 2 Town advance to last 16 in nailbiter at Bridgewater
Triumph and controversy at Bridgewater Centre Park on Saturday as Arklow Town and Ballina Town clashed in their Goodson Cup clash.  The match itself was a close affair with nothing given.  Arklow Town, minus six regular players, performed heroically and those players who came in and competed at this national level can feel rightly proud of their efforts - emphasising the importance of a decent sized squad and a great spirit within the playing ranks.  The full time whistle blew with the two battling sides still locked together scoreless and the following extra time provided no goals but tension aplenty, with so much at stake.  The contest was decided by the lottery of penalties with the pressure telling on the opening strikes, both sides missing, John Kearon the unlucky player for Town.  Ballina struck first, scoring with their second penalty and seemed to be on course to advance to the last 16 when Alan Sunderland missed Arklow's second spot kick.  Anthony Nolan seized the moment to grab the headlines when saving Ballina's third kick and Arklow levelled when Ryan Werder converted.  Ballina then missed again, in controversial circumstances, with the official ruling out a strike that came back off the woodwork and in off the keeper.  Stephen Kavanagh then gave the home side a slender advantage when slotting home his kick.  Ballina replied in kind and then Mark Hardy converted what proved to be the winning spot kick, as the Mayo side oncemore saw their attempt saved by heroic Arklow keeper, Anthony Nolan.

Jan 26 Fergal's too strong for 14Bs
What was never going to be an easy fixture for the U14B side unfolded as expected with the home side triumphing with ease on a 8-0 scoreline at Ballywaltrim.  Keep it going lads, one of these days...

Dec 16 Town fall just short in ten goal thriller
Arklow Town's U14B side went close earlier today to pulling off the mother of all comebacks.  Missing key players, starting with only nine players and losing 6-0 at half time, the outlook looked extremely bleak.  Not so!  A great effort by the team in the second half saw the team pull back four goals unanswered and on another day who knows, the comeback, with a little dollop of lady luck, just might have been achieved.  Robert "Bob" Kinsella, one of a number of players to perform heroically, scored two fine goals, one with his left, the other with his right.  Niall Moore scored a great free kick from twenty five yards out and Chris Doyle scored his first ever goal for the team.  The result may have gone against the team but plenty of positives on the day for the management and players to dwell on.  Onwards and upwards!

Dec 9 Town advance in Goodson Cup
Arklow Town advanced safely into the last 32 of the Goodson Cup with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Kildare side Clane United in their 4th Round tie played earlier today at Bridgewater Centre Park.  In truth, the Town were never troubled and goals from Ryan Forde, Kyle Dowling and John Kearon ensured the Arklow side advanced into the next round.

Nov 25 Yet another Sunderland hat trick sets 14As on their way to victory
The U14A side, preparing to face Clane next weekend in the latest round of the Goodson Cup, hit poor St. Anthony's for eight at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today, emphatic winners in the end, a scoreline of 8-2 easily preserving their 100% start to the season.  Their fifth win of the league season saw the prolific Alan Sunderland oncermore bagging a hat trick.  Both Derek Bradshaw and Ian Reid netted twice with John Kearon adding a further, a complete team performance to ensure the Town side stay three points ahead of Rathnew.  Meanwhile, the test of endurance that is the league campaign for the U14B side carried on with another heavy defeat, this time at the hands of Enniskerry A, also at Bridgewater Centre Park.

Nov 11 Hardy strike sees 14As advance in Goodson Cup
Goals from both John Kearon and Mark Hardy saw the U14A side advancing to the next round of the Goodson Cup.  Park Celtic were the visitors to Bridgewater Centre Park on Sunday.  No match report given.

Meanwhile, a much improved performance by the U14B side, with Muxima Harrington scoring a fourth goal of the season as St. Fergal's squeezed home 2-1 winners.

Oct 20 Town stroll to victory
An exercise in futility for the U14A side who went to St. Anthony's in Kilcoole and emerged easy 7-1 victors, with both Alan Sunderland and John Kearon netting hat tricks.  Liam Carroll added a seventh but it was all too easy for the Town side who continue their 100% start to the season atop the Premier Division.  Such an unbalanced contest does the side little or no favour in advance of next weekend's key National Cup tie against Dublin side Park Celtic, the tie being played at Bridgewater Centre Park.  U14 Premier Division leaders Ardmore were thumped at home by Rathnew which now means the Town lads go into their National Cup tie level atop the division with Rathnew, also unbeaten and in possession of a 100% record thus far, breathing down their necks.  Ever get the feeling that U14 Premier is slowly coming to life...

Oct 28 Comfortable win over Ardmore
The U14A side made it two wins from two outings against league leaders Ardmore Rovers A, at Bridgewater Centre Park, on Sunday, to move onto the heels of those above them who have played more league games.  A common problem with some of our other sides, their WDSL league programme interrupted by a catalogue of postponments, teams being idle on given weekends and success in the early stages of the National Cup competitions.  The 14s, who played only their first league fixture this season a fortnight ago, when winning 3-0 away in Wicklow, were eager to get the win against Ardmore.  Starting slowly, hardly a surprise given the lack of games, the Town side gradually got the upper hand over their Bray based opponents and in winning 4-1 they really should have scored more.  Alan Sunderland once again grabbed a brace with the other two goals coming from Ryan Werder and Liam Carroll.

The U14B side travelled earlier in the day to Roundwood, losing 6-1 with the consolation goal coming from Brendan Gregory.

Oct 20 U14As enjoy Offaly nice day out in Birr
A convincing 6-1 win on their travels to Birr Town on Saturday has ensured the A side advance to the next round of the Goodson Cup.  Unfortunately, the 14B side who had enjoyed a fine win over Kilcock in the last round were not so fortunate on their own travels when losing heavily in Portlaoise.  Alan Sunderland was on the mark twice for the A side in Birr, with Ian Reid, Kyle Dowling, Darragh O'Leary and Derek Bradshaw scoring the other goals to put the Arklow side into the hat for the next round.

Oct 14 U14A finally kick start their WDSL season
A Through no fault of their own, it's been a protracted start to the season for the U14A side, who finally got to complete a match in this year's league today!    A comfortable victory on their travels was secured at Whitegates in Wicklow earlier today when the Town put three past their opponents without reply.  John Kearon, Alan Sunderland and Ryan Werder scored the goals that now gets the A team up and running before they travel to Offaly next weekend to face Birr Town in the next round of the National Cup.  Meanwhile, the U14B's endured another painful day out, losing 3-11 away in Greystones.  Better luck next week in National Cup competition lads!

Sep 23 Goodson Cup success at the double
A successful weekend for both A and B sides as they stepped into National Cup competition both when facing Firhouse Carmel and Kilcock Celtic respectively, both games played at Bridgewater Centre Park.  The A side were comfortable 5-0 winners over their Dublin opponents, with John Kearns netting twice.  The B side meanwhile edged out their Kildare based opponents with a hard fought 2-1 victory on Saturday with goals scored by Daniel O'Reilly and Niall Moore ensuring passage into the next round of the Goodson Cup.

Sep 16 Weekend to forget for B side
With the U14A side not having a fixture this weekend the focus of attention was firmly with the B side, playing Enniskerry B at Lamberton on Saturday.  Unfortunately, a bad day at the office for all concerned with Conor Harris' consolation goal the only bright moment in a 6-1 defeat.

Sep 9 Mixed start for 14s
Not the ideal start to the season for the U14A side, who got the season off to a winning start without breaking sweat, as they were the recipients of a walkover from opponents Rathnew.  The U14B side travelled to Ballywaltrim to face St. Fergal's and can be considered unlucky to have lost 4-3 in a tight encounter.  Niall Moore, with two goals, and Brendan Gregory scored for The Town.

Aug 19  Spooner Ryan tournament
The u14s have won the Richie Ryan Cup at the Spooner Ryan tournament, held in Templemore this weekend.  In the Final they were convincing winners, beating Clonmel Town 5-1.  They began earlier in the day with a comfortable win over St. Pats, winning 4-1, with Alan Sunderland netting a brace alongside goals from John Kearns and Liam Carroll.  They lost their second match, against St. Francis, 4-1, the lone goal coming from Stephen Donnery.  However, they bounced back emphatically in their last match, against Clonmel Town, winning that game 5-1 - a result good enough for the Town to lift the trophy.  Alan Sunderland was again on the scoresheet twice with the other goals coming from John Kearns, Kyle Dowling and Ian Reid.  Pictured below is the victorious squad, with the Richie Ryan Cup.   The squad who travelled to Templemore was as follows: Alan Sunderland, Ian Reid, Kyle Dowling, Shane Byrne (Captain), Mark Hardy, John Kearns, Bobby Belton, Darragh O'Leary, Danny Lucas, Stephen Donnery, Wayne Breen, Ryan Werder, Liam Carroll, Willie Hart, Connor Harris, Kevin Cullen, James Cullen, Stephen Kavanagh.  Congratulations lads!

The successful U14A side who lifted the Richie Ryan Cup at Templemore.

Aug 15 Town heading for Templemore
The U14s will this coming weekend be heading for Templemore to participate in the Spooner Ryan tournament.  They will be playing in the Premier section.

Aug 4 Town beaten in Challenge Cup Final
After their 4-1 Challenge Cup semi final success against Danish side KBK Hillerød the U14s went into the Challenge Cup Final with confidence high.  In a tight encounter with their Japanese opponents, Saitama FA Select 1, it proved one game too many over a hectic 3 day schedule, going down 1-0 in the Final.  Still, a most enjoyable experience for all the players involved and they've emerged with great credit and belief to take into the upcoming season.  Click here for details.

Jul 28 New season squads announced
We have two under 14 sides playing this upcoming season.

Under 14A WDSL U14 Prem
Shane Byrne, Darragh O'Leary, James Cullen, Kyle Dowling, Kevin Cullen, Daniel Lucas, John Kearon, Stephen Kavanagh, Ryan Werder, Wayne Breen, Liam Carroll, Ian Reid, Alan Sunderland, Mark Hardy, Stephen Donnery, Ryan Forde, William Harte, Anthony Nolan.

Under 14B WDSL U14 Div 1
Cormac Kennedy, Daniel O'Reilly, Tony Breen, Victor Panko, Craig Gaffney, Niall Moore, Conor Harris, Sean Power, Jonathan Holden, David Kinsella, Shane McBride, Patrick Kavanagh, Niall Canavan, Matthew O'Connell, Dylan Byrne, Brendan Gregory, James O'Connell, Muxima Harrington, Ryan Hennessy, Chris Doyle.

Jul 27 Under 14s competing in Holland
Two of our younger sides are on their travels this coming week.  The under 13 Premier side are heading for Dublin to compete in the Celtic Cup this weekend (details to follow) whereas our under 14 Premier side are on foreign soil, travelling over to Holland this coming Wednesday to compete in the prestigious Holland Cup.  Their first game in the group stage is against Danish opposition, IK Gimletroll, on Thursday evening and everyone at Arklow Town wishes them well.