May 4 O'Neill sets the tone with double strike
Arklow  Town’s U-10A  team clinched their expected place in the Shield Final today when the three points they amassed gives them an unassailable lead at the top of the 6 team Premier Shield table.  Greystones were their victims on this occasion and the same team will play Newtown, in Newtown, in their last game in this competition to decide who will face the Black and Whites in the final.  Arklow won 4-0 on this occasion but more pleasing to the management team of Dave Boddy and PJ Furlong will be the manner of the performance.  After the stuttering display in the midweek game v Wolfe Tone, Town were back to their best in this match and dominated their opponents throughout the 40 minutes play.  The tone was set in the third minute when Christopher O'Brien  prevented an almost certain Greystones goal with a crunching tackle on the visitor's centre forward – such was the force of the tackle that he had to leave the field to be replaced by Cliona Crammond.  The home team scored their opening goal two minutes later when Joshua Moody, probably Town’s man of the match, put Darren Furlong through and he cut across the last defender intelligently and slotted home past the Greystones goalkeeper.  The visitors did have one good effort through their numer 7 Brandon Byrne but it was wide of the post, and they paid dearly for this miss when they conceded a penalty in the eighth minute when one of their defenders handled in the box after incessant pressure from the home team.  Daire O'Conchubhair scored his second penalty in three games when placing the ball in his favoured bottom left corner position.  Greystones did have a free on the edge of the box but their shot was blocked by the wall and from the resultant breakaway attack Darren Furlong showed great footwork when going past a number of defenders only to see his shot go across the goalmouth and wide.  Patrick Dempsey, one of the hardest working members of the Arklow Team went on a great solo run as half time approached, only to see his effort thwarted by a packed Greystones defence.  Dempsey kept up the high work rate in the second half and in the 22nd minute he forced a corner which resulted in O'Conchubhair scoring his second and his side’s third goal from close range.  The result was beyond doubt at this stage but Greystones continued to ask questions of Arklow and they brought a good near post save from Christopher O'Brien (reintroduced at half time for Tiernan Mellon)  in the 35th minute and forced Dave Boddy into a last ditch tackle on a least two occasions as they sought a consolation goal.  The Arklow defensive duo of Boddy and Leslie Sharp were in unstoppable mood however and were intent on keeping a clean sheet, which they managed to do, while midfielder O'Conchubhair’s intention was to add to his two goals and claim a hat trick and he too managed to do this when scoring with a great strike from 10 metres in the second last minute.The final score was 4-0 and Town now have there games remaining this season , a final Shield outing against St Anthony’s and then two finals, the Cup Final against Newtown and a Shield Final against Greystones or Newtown.

May 1 O'Neill sets the tone with double strike
The U10A side were surprisingly a little off colour when defeating Wolfe Tone earlier tonight, 2-1.  Town played excellent football against the same opposition last Sunday and their followers were looking forward to another exciting display in the return leg, but apart from a few players, they struggled on this occasion and were also faced with a much improved performance by the Bray outfit.  Tone almost took the lead as early as the third minute but Tiernan Mellon pulled off the first of a number of very good saves, and this scare did serve to force Arklow to increase their levels of concentration.  Matthew O'Neill had a shot come off the post and go wide but he atoned for this miss two minutes later when Joshua Moody and Dáire O'Conchubhair set him up for the opening goal of the match.  Wolfe Tone were displaying the greater teamwork in the first half and they had one shot over the bar from their impressive number 7 David Byrne and another shot saved at his near post by Mellon.  Somewhat against the run of play Town scored a second when Moody made a great run from the halfway line and set up O'Neill for his second of the match.  In the second half Tone got the goal their play deserved when their left back made a scintillating run from his own end line to the opposition end line and crossed for the centre forward to score the goal of the game.  Town did respond to this setback, with John Paul Hurley having one effort narrowly wide and Darren Furlong skimming the crossbar from a Cliona Crammond corner.  Along with Tone's excellent goalkeeper Adam Hayden, Darren Furlong of Arklow Town was the one of the best players on view on the night and he put in a superb performance at centre back, displaying a great sense of positioning and putting in some well time tackles to thwart the Bray side on at least three occasions.  When a team can win while playing poorly it is usually a sign of the team's ability, and manager David Boddy will be relying on this next Sunday when they face what should be tougher opposition in the form of Greystones who currently lie in second place on the table.

Apr 27 Town ease past Wolfe Tone to maintain Treble assault
The U10AA team enjoyed a very comfortable 5-1 win away to Wolfe Tones in Bray earlier today and in the process put on one of their best displays in any competition this season playing a delightful brand of football, full of movement and excellent passing and could well have reached double figures in goals but for some good goalkeeping by the home ‘keeper and a series of very close misses throughout the game.  Arklow won their first corner in the fifth minute and Dave Boddy forced a good save from the Tone’s number one, while two minutes later Matthew O'Neill, who worked hard throughout, was narrowly wide from fifteen metres out.  Patrick Dempsey put Darren Furlong through in the tenth minute but his shot was wide, and Dempsey himself forced the home side to concede another corner in the twelfth minute, and while Tone’s cleared their lines on this occasion, Town regained possession in the centre circle and started a passing movement which resulted in John Paul Hurley scoring the game’s first goal with a well placed shot to the bottom corner of the net.

Tones had only one shot on goal in the first period and it was pushed out for a corner which did not yield any dividend. Town’s goalkeeper Tiernan Mellon was injured in the process, and he did not reappear the second half, being replaced by Christopher O'Brien.  Town continued to dominate possession and it came as no surprise when Dáire O'Conchubhair’s left footed drive hit the net in the 17th minute and the result was put beyond doubt on the stroke of half time when Matthew O'Neill lobbed the keeper from the half way line for a memorable third goal.  Wolfe Tone’s did exert more pressure in the second period, forcing a number of corners and they pulled one goal back from one of these corners.  This however only prompted Town to go up another gear and Hurley, Cliona Crammond and O'Conchubhair all had shots either on target or narrowly wide, before the latter scored his second left footed effort of the day when he went passed two defenders and drilled the ball beyond the reach of the home keeper.

Defender Leslie Sharp, who has added an attacking dimension to his repertoire of skills this season, almost scored the fifth goal with a glancing header from a pinpoint Crammond corner but the ball was inches outside the left post. The rout was completed however  in the 19th minute when Joshua Moody went on a trademark mazy run from the half way line and coolly slotted home the fifth goal.

The same two sides meet in the home leg of the Shield in the Leisure Centre this Thursday evening (1st May) night and Town will want to maintain their great momentum in this game before they then prepare themselves for two vital games that will ultimately decide their season, Shield and Cup final matches against arch rivals Newtown, to be played over the next few weeks.

Apr 20 Sharp secures Blunt success but it's Mellon the hero as Town survive sudden death penalty drama
It's an awful shame there's no admission fee charged for patrons attending games over at the Leisure Centre.  One thing is for certain - those who watched a highly dramatic Joseph Blunt Cup semi final earlier today at the Leisure Centre between Town's U10A side and St. Anthony's were more than rewarded for their presence.  What a game.  What drama.  The do or die nature of Cup football tends to lead to dramatic encounters as competing teams strive to become Cup champions, and today’s cup semi final between Town’s U10A team and St. Anthony’s ( Kilcoole) had a season’s worth of drama compressed into sixty minutes before the home team finally went through to the Cup final after a penalty shoot out.  Injuries, great saves, extra time and sudden death penalties kept the large following on its toes throughout this absorbing semi final before St. Anthony’s finally succumbed to the team who have already won the League and are now on course for both the Cup and Shield finals as their season draws to a climax.  The exchanges in the opening twenty minutes were fairly even as the visitors more than matched the favourites, and despite shots from Darren Furlong and Dáire O'Conchubhair the visitors applied plenty of pressure but found the back three of Leslie Sharp, Dave Boddy and Christopher O'Brien in resolute form.  St. Anthony’s number nine suffered a facial injury in the fifth minute and within the next five minutes Town had to make two earlier than planned substitutions when both Joshua Moody (illness) and Matthew O Neill ( injury) had to be withdrawn, to be replaced by Cliona Crammond and John Paul Hurley.  Patrick Dempsey almost opened the scoring in the 18th minute but his powerful header from Crammond’s corner was narrowly wide.  The second period saw the home team take control of the game and they were camped in St. Anthony’s half for most of this twenty minutes, forcing numerous corners and seeing two efforts come off the post.   The St. Anthony’s ‘keeper was in outstanding form however, making a  string of great saves, and, up to the end of normal time at least, was in line for the man of the match accolade.  During this period, David Boddy made a surging 50 metre run and fellow defender Leslie Sharp also powered into the opposition box in search of the vital opening goal, but the visitors ‘keeper made sure that the tie would go to extra time.  Patrick Dempsey had one good effort in the first five minute period of extra time, while Darren Furlong’s 20 metre free kick in the second period was well struck but was cleared off the line. Anthony's still looked dangerous on the break but on the one occasion when they looked to have broken through JP Hurley tracked back well and put in a well time tackle to avert the danger.  Town lost a further player at the end of extra time when Christopher O'Brien had to leave the field leaving 8 players to face the inevitable penalty shoot out.  Dáire O'Conchubhair, who played through the final stages of the match with an ankle injury, was first up for Town and his confident shot gave the ‘keeper no chance but although St. Anthony’s first penalty was wide, they scored their second while the Town’s second was wide.  At 1-1, it was time for the hero of the day, Town’s goalkeeper Tiernan Mellon to take centre stage and he proceeded to save St. Anthony’s next three spot kicks to keep the Town’s hopes alive after they had failed to score from their three attempts.  In the final act, Mellon saved the first of the sudden death penalties and Leslie Sharp was then coolness personified as he slotted the final kick of the day past the St Anthony’s keeper.  The final score was 2-1 and the Town now face either Newtown in the Cup Final.  Meanwhile, the U10C side, exited the Enniskerry FC Cup semi final, losing 3-1 against current Shield Division 2 leaders Wicklow Rovers B.  Rovers are a very strong side and having beaten Town last week 4-1 it was always going to be a big ask of the lads to win through to the Final.  However, Town put in a great effort in what was a closer encounter than the scoreline might suggest.  Rovers opened the scoring late in the first half but a great strike from Aaron Healy early in the second half levelled matters.  Rovers though struck back with two quick goals to end Town's cup run.  Credit on the day to all for a fine spirited performance with Healy and William Horsman in particular earning great credit.

Apr 13 A tale of two teams - the U10As and U10Bs come face to face in local derby
The U10A team bounced back from defeat last week to earn the bragging rights in the internal club derby between our top two U10 sides, A and B.  Match reports from both camps -

U10A - The return leg of the U10 Shield clash between Arklow Town’s A and B teams was a much closer affair that the first leg earlier in the season, and even though the A team pulled away for a 4-0 win, the B team put in a much better performance on this occasion and held the A team scoreless in the first half.  The A team had the first goal scoring chance in the fifth minute but Darren Furlong's shot was wide of the post, and while they had a number of other chances, two of which fell to JP Hurley, the B team defended very well with goalkeeper Gareth Kenny in impressive form. Cliona Crammond almost opened the A team’s account but Kenny made a great save and from the resulting breakaway attack, Joe Ledwidth went on a 60 yard run before shooting wide of the box from 18 yards.  A team Manager Dave Boddy introduced Christopher O'Brien at half time and he had a very stabilising effect on the midfield sector and succeeded in thwarting any further B team attacks. The pressure finally told in the 24th minute when Dáire O'Conchubhair played Darren Furlong through and the latter coolly slotted the ball under the advancing Kenny.  Patrick Dempsey, arguably the A team’s best player on the day, had a header just over the cross bar in the 28th minute but within the next five minutes he had put the result beyond doubt with two fine goals to leave the score 3-0.  Christopher O'Brien capped a fine second half performance with a great lob from the left sideline that went into the top corner of the net to finish the scoring. This win sets up the A team for the remaining crucial games of the season, when they face St Anthony’s in the semi final of the Joseph Blunt Cup and will most likely face Newtown in the Shield Final.

U10B -  A game of two halves as they say, playing really well in the first half, with a fine display from goalkeeper Garrett Kenny, making two vital saves to ensure matters were level at half time.  Excellent defending throughout the match by Joe Ledwith and Jay Wolohan.  The score didn't really reflect the match with Garrett being so unlucky for three of the four goals conceded, it looked for one of the goals that he had saved but with no lady luck on our side, the ball just slid in off his back after getting down to it.  Another he went to push over the bar and got too much on it taking the sting out off the shot, just enough to drop under the bar and for the last slippery conditions when he put his hand on it to drag it back to himself it slid away, to creep over the line - not a day for a keeper!  Their third goal was a good cross, met beautifully by Patrick Dempsey.  Aaron O'Toole had a great game in the centre of the park as did Aaron Kelly who went inches wide from the tip after they got their second.  One another day it might have made a difference but maybe not.  The game was played with a great spirit, none more so when Mathew O'Neill called to stop the game when opponent Joe Ledwith went down injured as the As were setting up another attack from a corner.  For this alone, and his effort throughout the game we thought Matthew O'Neill was man of the match.  On the B team, good games from Aaron O'Toole, Jay Wolohan and Garrett Kenny but Jay Wolohan was the pick of our players.

Apr 13 Mixed Bag For U10s
The U10C team had a tough away day when losing 4-1 to a very good Wicklow Rovers side, with Niall McDonald the scorer of Town's lone goal.  Meanwhile, the U10D side welcomed league leaders St. Patrick's to the Leisure Centre and ended with honours even, 1-1 the final scoreline.  John O'Halloran scored Arklow's goal, to keep the team firmly in contention for a Shield Final place.

Apr 7 Town so sharp in Blunt Cup victory
Arklow Town’s U-0A Premier Division side banished the memory of last weeks 0-1 reverse to Newtown in the Shield by routing visitors Ardmore in the U10 Joseph Blunt Cup quarter final, played at the Leisure Centre.  Town set out in a very positive frame of mind and  forced no fewer then four corners in the opening five minutes of play. Ardmore did make one foray into the opposition half but Darren Furlong, who gave a man of the match performance over the 40 minutes, made a great tackle to avert the danger.  Surprisingly Ardmore took the lead in the eighth minute when a shot from twenty five yards beat Tiernan Mellon in goal, but this served only to spur the home team on and within a minute Darren Furlong had equalised with a left foot shot from the edge of the box.  The home side continued to play good passing football with Matthew O'Neill, Christhoper O'Brien and Cliona Crammond all prominent.  Midfielder Patrick Dempsey did great work along the right wing in the eighteenth minute his pin point cross found Darren Furlong who headed home the second goal that left the home team 2-1 ahead at the break.  Arklow continued to dominate at the start of the second half and they stretched their lead when a great ball behind the defence by Cliona Crammond was met on the run by Dáire O'Conchubhair who made it 3-1.  Second half substitute John Paul Hurley made a good contribution when introduced and he scored the fourth after being set up by Joshua Moody.  Any hope of an Ardmore revival was thwarted by Darren Furlong who made a great double block in the 30th minute, and although they did manage a consolation goal in the 37th minute, Arklow responded in style with a three goals in the last closing three minutes.  Cliona Crammond scored with a spectacular shot from 25 yards, John Paul Hurley netted his second of the day and Dáire O'Conchubhair completed the rout with a headed goal in the final passage of play.  Final Score:  Arklow Town 7 Ardmore Rovers 2.

Meanwhile, the U10C team also emerged victorious with a fine 3-2 away win at St. Anthony's to book a place in the Enniskerry SFC Cup semi final.  Goals from Niall McDonald and a converted penalty from Corey Mills looked to have earned extra time for the Town but up popped Conor O'Brien with a fine winner to send the Town home happy.

Mar 30 Town's unbeaten run comes to an end
Arklow Town’s U10A Premier Division side lost their unbeaten record in all competitions this season when going down 0-1 to arch rivals Newtown, in Newtown on Sunday.  Having being defeated 2-0 by Arklow in the Leisure Centre fixture earlier in the competition, the home team were always going to aim to exact revenge on their home soil and they were more than happy with their 1-0 win courtesy of one well worked second half goal.  Arklow Town were the dominant side in the opening half but the signs were ominous when they failed to convert any of at least 6 chances in the first 20 minutes.  A header and a shot from Pat Dempsey, a header and a free kick from Daire O'Conchubhair and a great shot from 40 yards by Joshua Moody all resulted from incessant Arklow pressure but unfortunately none of these efforts managed to cross the white line.  A great four player move also saw Matthew O'Neill squeeze in a shot from a tight angle but it was cleared off the line by a fast retreating Newtown defender.  Arklow had one other clear cut chance early in the second half but J P Hurley’s shot was narrowly wide of the post.  Newtown became the more dominant side after that and goalkeeper Tiernan Mellon, who had an excellent game throughout, was called on to make three saves in quick succession.  David Boddy and Leslie Sharp defended heroically during this period but insufficient support from the midfield left them outnumbered, and in the thirtieth minute allowed the Newtown number seven to score the single goal that decided the game.

Mar 9 D's maintain their push for Shield honours
With the postponement of the clash between As and Bs, focus at U10 level switched firmly to both C and D teams.  The U10C team lost out at home to a very strong Enniskerry performance with Ryan Penny the pick of the home side.  The U10D team travelled to Woodlands to face a strong Greystones side in their Division 4 clash.  The home side, although enjoying most of the possession were in the main unable to break down some resolute Arklow defending.  The pressure was to tell eventually, with the home side opening the scoring but credit the Town side for not giving up and their endeavour was rewarded with five minutes to go when Conor Hughes slotted home, to give Arklow Town a fine point on their travels.

Mar 1 A's strengthen grip with O'Neill double
For the second week running, the A team scored three goals, to secure a comfortable win away in Greystones.  The visitors were uncharacteristically hesitant in the opening exchanges and were unable to impose their passing game on the home team with the result that a 0-0 scoreline looked the most likely outcome for the opening half.  There were however a couple of good individual efforts, notably from Cliona Crammond, Daire O'Conchubhair, JP Hurley and Joshua Moody, all of whom had shots on target from long range.  It took another individual effort, this time however a brilliantly executed left foot drive from the right wing position, to break the deadlock in the fifteen minute.  Left winger Matthew O'Neill had drifted to the wing and scored in the top left corner with a great shot that gave the home goalkeeper no chance.  O’Neill made it 2-0 five minutes into the second half with a deft lob over the advancing keeper, after being put through by Daire O'Conchubhair’s pass.  Greystones had a chance to pull one back four minutes later when their centre forward was straight through, in on the Arklow goal, but net minder Christopher O'Brien dealt competently with the shot.  The outcome was put beyond doubt two minutes later when Joshua Moody cut in from the left wing and unleashed a stunning shot from twenty metres that again left the Greystones keeper with no chance.  'Stones, to their credit, continued to attack but the back three of Leslie Sharp, Dave Boddy and Darren Furlong were almost impenetrable throughout, save for one moment of indecision in the closing minutes when a ball that should have been cleared made its way to a Greystones player who scored from close range.  The three points won further strengthens Town's grip on the division and heightens the chances of an appearance in the Shield Final.  Final Score:  Greystones A 1 Arklow Town A 3

Mar 1 Howe about that!
William Howe was once again on the mark for the Town's D team as they secured three vital points in their push up the Division 4 Shield table.  William's strike was the difference on the day between the Town and opponents Wicklow Town B, the three points seeing the home side jumping ahead of Wicklow in the table.  The U10B side gave a much improved performance and can count themselves unfortunate when losing out 2-1 at home to a Newtown side pushing for Shield honours.  A solid performance, their best of the Shield campaign thus far, fell just short of earning them the points the effort truly deserved with a smashing goal from Aaron Kelly their own reward on the day.  The C team endured a rare off day, losing out 4-0 at home to a better side, Shield leaders Wicklow Rovers.

Feb 24 A's dominant in three goal triumph
Goals in the opening and closing five minutes of this U-10 Premier Division Shield game in Kilcoole on Saturday morning enabled Arklow Town A secure an emphatic 3-0 win over the home side, St Anthony’s.  On an excellent playing surface, the visitors dominated the game from start to finish and executed some well worked four and five player passing moves throughout the course of the 40 minutes. It was such a move led to the opening goal in the fourth minute when Leslie Sharpe played an inch perfect pass to Joshua Moody who scored with an accurate shot from the edge of the box.  It looked like more goals would follow in the opening period as Patrick Dempsey, Dave Boddy and Moody again all had shots on target or narrowly wide.  Arklow had six corners in the opening period alone, an indication of their dominance, and but for the excellence of St Anthony’s keeper the points would have been wrapped up by half time.  The home team had only one clear chance in the first half but Leslie Sharpe defended very well when faced with a one on one with the home team’s centre forward.  Stand in keeper Christopher O Brien handled well throughout without ever being really tested by St Anthony’s.  The second half saw St Anthony’s come more into the game, aided by a strong wind, but they were unable to penetrate the away defence where Darren Furlong’s positioning and tackling were outstanding. The visitors lost Dave Boddy through injury at half time but substitute Matthew O'Neill slotted in very well in his favoured left wing position.  The home keeper made an excellent save from John Paul Hurley midway through the second half, but the same player was to exact revenge in the last five minutes when Cliona Crammond and Daire O'Conchubhair set him up for two well taken goals to seal the victory.

Feb 24 Mixed bag for B's, C's and D's
A win, a draw and a defeat for the three sides this Sunday, with the C team capping a fine performance with a good win at Wicklow Town.  Micheal Hudson was on the mark twice to steer the Arklow side firmly on the road to victory.  A third goal from Niall McDonald sealed the points for the travelling Town team.  The D team were a little unlucky not to claim all three points after an entertaining encounter away in Greystones.  The home side opened the scoring after a penalty was somewhat fortuitously given after a ball to hand incident.  Town struck back when John O'Halloran played in William Howe who steered home the leveller.  Town took the lead when William Howe poked home amidst a crowded 'Stones penalty.  However, the lead was not preserved and a defensive lapse was to prove costly as 'Stones equalised and the points were shared.  The B team made the worst possible start earlier at the Leisure Centre, facing Wolfe Tone A.  Inside the opening ten minutes they found themselves with a mountain to climb, 0-3 down.  A fine effort from Andrew Hobson brought the Town back into the match just before half time but all hope of a comeback appeared dashed when Wolfe Tone added a fourth early into the second half.  Darren Dempsey pulled a second goal back for Arklow but the Bray side in adding a fifth closed out the game worthy victors.

Feb 16 Simple task for Bs:  Keep the faith!
A fourth defeat in a row and an exit from the cup makes for pretty reading not.  However, there are times when results do not reflect truly the picture, the state of play.  Travelling to Greystones was always going to be a tough ask for the B team, promoted to the Premier Division after their Division 1 triumph before Christmas.  And so it proved to be the case, with the home side opening up a two goal cushion despite Arklow's best efforts.  Another wonderful goal from Joe Ledwith (his effort from last week against the A team will be online sometime soon!) gave the Town hope, as they pressed 'Stones for an equaliser.  Unfortunately it was not to be as the home side took advantage of Arklow throwing caution to the wind late on to nick a third and then a fourth to give the result one of those deathly looks that frustrates the life out of you!  Ryan McDonald, who came on at half time, put in a great shift, arguably his finest to date, while Andrew Hobson did wonderfully well to save a penalty kick.  Perseverence be thy name!  Keep the faith!

Feb 10 As win out in 'internal' derby clash with Bs
A hard day at the office for the hard working B team who ended up on the reverse end of a 5-1 defeat "on their travels" away to Arklow Town A!  As has been the case for most of this season, we have little or nothing to report from the A team camp.  The B team, though obviously a little down with the outcome of today's clash with the As, point toward the determination and never-say-die attitude of players like Glen Kelly who performed ably today.  Joe Ledwith scored the solitary goal for the B team but by all accounts it was a pretty memorable strike, from all of fifteen or twenty yards.  The win for the A team maintains their excellent start to the Shield campaign and the Bs, even in defeat, have plenty of positives to dwell on as they now set their sights on the upcoming cup competition next weekend.  Considering it was a clash today between two of our best under age sides, two sides who so far this season have performed excellently at under ten level, it remains a disappointment that we continue to have little or nothing coming from the A team camp by way of coverage of their team and their exploits.  As Bob Hoskins might say, it's good to talk......communication, in defeat and victory, it's essential.  Elsewhere, the U10D side and Ardmore Rovers enjoyed a contest with little to seperate the two sides.  Ardmore though were to nick all three points with a second half strike.

Feb 2 One of those days for Bs...
"Funny old game", as they say, in the first half the Town were as good as St. Anthony's and yet the only thing Garrett Kenny had to do was pick the ball out of the net twice - first from a cross that just sail in over his head on the wind and second we were caught out a bit on the break when pushing for an equaliser. Second half I must say we were camped in their half, the Town playing much better and we reduced them to one shot on goal which went wide.  Credit where it's due, the lads kept going till the bitter end.  Filling in at left back was my pick, and a lot of the lads on the team backed me on this, was Harry Nuzum.  He was almost faultless in his display of passing, getting back and protecting the defence - a true captain's performance, followed closley by Aaron Kelly, Darren Dempsey and Aaron O Toole.  I feel a win just around the corner. - Cormac O'Toole

Jan 6 Brave effort for title falls just short
Losing out on a title is always hard.  Losing out on a title on the strength of a cruel deflection is hard.  Which is precisely the fate suffered by our gallant U10C side earlier today, when playing their last Division 3 fixture away at St. Anthony's, in Kilcoole.  As a result of their first reverse of the league campaign, season-long rivals Roundwood are crowned champions and all associated with Arklow Town U10C wish to congratulate them after what can only be described as a battle of nip and tuck over the course of the League.  Trailing Roundwood by a solitary point going into today's game with St. Anthony's, a win was required in order to become champions.  A draw would have been sufficient to secure a play off.  With their previous encounter with the Kilcoole side a 1-0 victory at the Leisure Centre it was always likely to be a tight affair, and so it proved.  The game's solitary goal came in the first half, a wicked deflection that left keeper William Horsman with no chance.  Despite constant pressure it was to be "one of those days" for the travelling Black and Whites and even though they knew their chance of winning the League had slipped by with the full time whistle confirming their only defeat of the campaign, the boys should take pride in their performances over the ten games played and dwell on the positive.  Aside winning runners up medals they also secure promotion to Division Two and will begin their Shield campaign next week, with all to play for.  Well done, lads.

Jan 5 10C's take centre stage with title on the line 
Our U10C side, playing their final game in Division 3, travel to Kilcoole Sunday lunchtime to face St. Anthony's knowing that a win will secure the title after a titanic struggle all season with rivals Roundwood.  Nip and tuck from the very first week with Roundwood, the intervention of adverse weather has been a massive irritation to both management and players alike, unable to finish their programme.  Roundwood currently sit atop the division, unbeaten after ten games but a win for Arklow on their travels - kick off, 1pm Sunday - will see the Arklow boys finish two points ahead of their rivals. If they draw with St. Anthony's then a play off will be required to decide the outcome of Division 3.  When the sides met earlier in the season, a solitary goal from Mícheal Hudson proved to be the difference on the day.  Let's hope for a similar outcome on Sunday!

 WDSL 2007-08 U10 Division One

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Dec 2 U10Bs crowned CHAMPIONS!
Paul McCartney once sang about a long and winding road and indeed it feels as though our U10B side have traversed that very same road this past few weeks, as they drove themselves onwards towards the Division One title.  A titanic struggle with Wolfe Tone for the title has been the story of the season and after nine games unbeaten it seemed to be fate (Rev. Nigel Sherwood categorically denies Divine Intervention playing a part!) that saw the Town travelling to Bray to face Wolfe Tone in their last league game, requiring a solitary point on the day to be crowned deserving champions.  Credit to Wolfe Tone, who dug out a 1-0 win that day, heroically denying a constant Arklow assault on their goal that day, for taking the title chase down to the wire.  Requiring two further wins from their last two games in order to pip the Arklow lads they won their penultimate game to set up a title winning game of their own away in Ashford earlier today.  The immense disappointment on view at Temple Sportsfield the other week, on the faces of the Arklow boys, can now turn to an outbreak of joy, as Ashford Rovers prevailed in the title decider with Wolfe Tones, winning 3-2, ensuring the Town U10B side made it a double champions celebration alongside the A side who lifted the Premier title last weekend.

Manager Cormac O'Toole offers the following thoughts, "After a couple of weeks of pure torture, waiting on Wolfe Tone results, at 12.20pm today I got the text message I have prayed for: Ashford Rovers 3 Wolfe Tone 2.  Yes!  Firstly I want to congratulate each and every player on the team for a tremendous effort throughout this league campaign both in training and at matches.  They all worked so hard for this and fully deserve their glory.  In their matches they all worked for each other and what pleased me more than anything was that they never ever gave up, worked tirelessly for each other and with that kind of effort you will always get what you deserve.  On behalf of myself and Brendan thanks to each and everyone of you.  I want to thank and congratulate my co-manager, who without his help and support over the past 3/4 years this could not have been possible.  Thanks a million Brendan.  I can't leave without saying something about the wonderful support of each and every parent associated with this team because without their effort, getting the lads to training and matches, this could not have been possible.  You also played a huge part in your childs glory of being Leauge Champions.  So in my mind this makes you the best supporters in the league, you too are champions in your own right.  From Brendan and myself THANK YOU... It all starts again Tuesday evening at training - same time, but as you know, myself and Brendan are up there from about 6pm even though training offically starts at 6.30pm, the lads are more than welcome to come up . See you all Tuesday!"

Nov 25 Last gasp strike makes A team CHAMPIONS!
John Paul Hurley could not have selected a better time ever to score his third league goal of the season when his last minute strike ensured the U10A side were crowned U10 Premier Champions.  With main rivals Newtown finishing on 24 points, the Town knew that nothing less than victory over Wicklow Rovers, in Wicklow, would secure the Title.  Having already defeated Rovers 1-0 earlier this season, the A team knew it would be anything but easy and so it proved, in a tight affair with nothing given by either side, both well aware of the high stakes.  As the nerves increased, and the pressure mounted, it truly looked as though the Town, long time leaders of the Premier Division, would have to settle for a play off with Newtown.  Until, that is, young John Paul Hurley popped up with his last gasp strike to send the team and support into raptures, the Title theirs.  Well done team!  Meanwhile, the U10D team continued their fine run of late with a comfortable 3-0 victory over Greystones United B at the Lesiure Centre.  Jack Hill scored twice and Conor Hughes added the other as the D team made it four games unbeaten.

Nov 18 Cruel defeat for U10B side
A day that promised so much for the talented U10B side ended with frustration aplenty as all thoughts of being crowned champions were placed on hold, potentially now threatened by their opponents today, Wolfe Tone B.  Requiring just a solitary point to become champions, the team set about their task with great verve but were to endure "one of those days" where everything, kitchen sink included, thrown at an opponent, resulted in further frustration.  A 0-1 defeat it was to be though in the end.  Manager Cormac O'Toole here offers his own post match thoughts - 

Well what can I say about this match?  I'm not going down the road of blaming the referee.  One unfortunate wet spinning ball was what seperated the teams on the score sheet, because my lads today stood head and shoulders above a Wolfe Tone team that showed great resiliance and with a keeper that pulled off saves that Shay Given would have been proud of.  Shot after shot, he was fantastic.  The one thing I will say, that, the team that travelled to Bray today gave 110% each, every one of them.   As a manager you can't ask for any more than that and I am so proud of them, firstly as a great bunch of young men and, secondly, as a team who pulled together for each other today and showed the true quality of what a team should be all about.  I would also like to thank all the parents for their support and compliment them on the rearing of such a great bunch of lads, without their support Brendan's and my job would be so much more difficult.  Back to the match, I've already mentioned their goalkeeper for his performance but if it wasn't for shots reigning in on him from Joe Ledwith, Aaron Kelly, Harry Nuzum, Darren Dempsey, Jay Wolohan, Glen Kelly, Peter Sherwood,  and Andrew Hobson, he wouldn't have got a mention, such was the onslaught on their goal. However, I can only name one player for man of the match, unfortunately, because they were all outstanding and there is no bias in my pick but Aaron O'Toole again showed what a right back he is with a display that would give Steve Finnan a lesson in wing back play!  This is only a set back in what will still be a league winning team. - Cormac O'Toole

Nov 18 Late late show proves costly in Conary!
The U10D side were left to rue what might have been after a two goal lead was allowed slip in their Division 4 fixture away to St. Patrick's.  Town had taken a two goal lead thanks to a brace from William Howe.  St. Patrick's pulled one back late on but after what seemed like an eternity, a late late show saw the home side level matters, leaving the Arklow side to rue what might have been.  Two points most definitely dropped.

Nov 11 Tense at the top for Tens!
The tension mounts after a potentially decisive weekend in the various U10 divisions turned into a frustrating nail biter of a weekend.  And that's just with the managers... 

The U10A team faced their main rivals for the Premier Division, Newtown, at the Leisure Centre on Sunday morning with both sides knowing a win would secure the title.  The home side started brightly and deservedly took the lead, after a fine move that saw Cliona Crammond in position to hammer home a first time shot from fifteen yards out.  As hard as they tried though the second goal proved elusive.  Daire O'Connor was unlucky to see a wonderfully placed curling effort rebound off the bar.  Both Patrick Dempsey and Darren Furlong saw efforts come back off the woodwork and Arklow's worst fears were sadly realised with the calling of a dubious penalty in the last minute - which, duly converted, earned Newtown a fortuitous 1-1 draw and the chance to take the race for the title down to the last day of the League season.  Newtown travel to Wolfe Tone next weekend for their last fixture knowing a win alone will suffice in order to prevent the Town from lifting the title.  Arklow do not play their last fixture till the following weekend when travelling to face Wicklow Rovers.

Meanwhile, the U10B's shared a similar experience away at Ardmore Rovers, having to settle for a 2-2 draw.  Aaron O'Toole put the Town ahead early on with a great strike from just inside the box.  Ardmore levelled right on half time when Glen Kelly was adjudged to have handled the ball and the penalty was slotted home despite keeper Joe Ledwith's best efforts.  Town regained the lead in the second half, a wonderful move upfield resulting in Aaron O'Toole's cheeky back heel leaving man of the match Aaron Kelly in place to slot home the second for the Town side.  With time running out Ardmore were pressing hard for a leveller and it arrived courtesy of some sloppy defending by the Town side.  All square at the final whistle, on the face of it a disappointing result but with Ardmore pushing hard for second place in the division it was never going to be easy.  It now sets up the intriguing last game of the League season encounter away to Wolfe Tone, with Town needing a solitary point to be crowned champions.

Arguably the best result of the day was secured by the U10C side who travelled to Bog Meadow to face an Enniskerry side in need of a victory themselves.  After two draws in the last two outings it was important for the Town lads to maintain their push for the title with a win.  Both sides started brightly with nothing given.  Corey Mills broke the deadlock with a fine effort.  The lead was short-lived as Enniskerry replied just before half time.  The second half proved a very entertaining affair with both sides giving it their all.  The difference on the day proved oncemore to be young Corey Mills who smashed home a great free kick to win Arklow Town three very important points to keep the team very much in the hunt for Division 3 honours.

The U10B side proudly wearing their new club gear before dismantling Greystones United B.

Nov 4 One hand on the title!
The U10B side welcomed Greystones United B to the Leisure Centre and ran out worthy 5-1 winners.  All twelve players contributed greatly but it was to be Harry Nuzum who earned the man of the match award.  Andrew Hobson opened the scoring with an absolute screamer from outside the box.  Leading by that solitary goal at half time, the Town stepped up a gear after the restart - playing the ball around with great skill and purpose, picking out passes.  Harry Nuzum, involved in all things good, smashed home the second.  Substitute Ryan McDonald chased down a lost cause and drilled in a cross from the byline that went in off a Greystones defender.  Joseph Ledwith added a fourth with a cracking strike from six yards out and the fifth came after a fantastic run down the left flank by Aaron Kelly, who cut inside the opponent's are and with perfection coolly placed the ball in the bottom left hand corner.  The scoreline could have been greater if not for the Greystones keeper who performed heroics - denying both Aaron Kelly and Aaron O'Toole on numerous occasions.