Apr 20  Hobson hat trick sees Town ease into Shield Final
Arklow Town U13B eased into the Shield Final with yet another convincing win, this time a 5-0 triumph away at Ardmore earlier today.  David Hobson who scored the winner during the week when Town defeated Greystones United B away to go top of the division was once again on the mark, scoring a tidy hat trick.  Peter Ryan and Victor Lambert scored the other two goals that sees Town still with ambitions of a League and Shield double firmly in sight.  Meanwhile, the U13A side celebrated yesterday actually playing a match, having been idle for what seemed an eterntity!  Their lack of games since March 1st was to tell, lacking a killer punch to defeat Rovers. Indeed, Rovers took the lead, midway through the opening half, a sloppy goal, the ball hoofed in from the left wing with their centre forward going unchallenged as he shot home from a central position.  Town improved, passing becoming sharper throughout the team.  Aidan O'Callaghan played a delightful ball into Diarmuid Larkin who beat the offside trap to coolly slot home a leveller.  Despite continual pressure Town could not add to their total and the match ended all square, one goal apiece.  With two games remaining Town require four points from six if to entertain thoughts of a place in the Shield Final and will need to drastically improve.  Best players against Rovers were Cian Ryan, Patrick Power, Aidan O'Callaghan and Ryan Byrne.

Apr 13  Town shine with Sheehan!
Arklow Town U13B continued their winning ways earlier today against lowly St. Anthony's B, in laborious fashion at Bridgewater Centre Park.  Though rarely troubled, Town only had one goal to show for their efforts, Tom Sheehan scoring his first goal since returning to the club.  The win sees Town, alongside leaders Greystones, preserving some distance between themselves and the chasing pack.  Bragging rights may be decided this coming Tuesday when the top two face each other in a clash at Woodlands.

Apr 7  Town hit top spot
Arklow Town U13B hit the top spot in Division 2 with a convincing 3-0 win away at Enniskerry.  A brace from David Hobson and another from Oliver Hill secured a safe victory for the travelling Town side.  The win further strengths Town's claim for a Shield Final place and that aim was further strengthened with leaders Greystones losing away at Coolboy.

Mar 9  Heartbreak for Bs in penalty spot shoot out
Football, not for the first time, proved itself to be a cruel game as the U13B side exited the cup at the hands of Greystones United.  Having lost to the same opponents in Shield competition last weekend, the U13B side needed little or no motivation to attain 'revenge' for their defeat last Sunday.  However, the away side struck first, an opening goal against the run of play.  Arklow levelled, from the penalty spot, through David Hobson and therein lies the irony, as the game ended all square with nothing to separare the sides.  Unfortunately for the Town side, Greystones prevailed from the penalty spot, winning the shoot out 4-3.  Farcical situation up in Bray facing the U13A side, due to play Ardmore Rovers A in Shield competition.  The non-appearance of a referee ensured that the clash between the two sides failed to take place, so instead both opted to play a friendly game which, for the record, ended all square, the two sides sharing six goals between them. 

Mar 2  B team lose out in table topping clash
Having enjoyed a very good run of late and still involved in all three competitions available to them, it was a bit of a disappointment for the Town B side to lose out at home earlier today, 1-0 to fellow Shield leaders, Greystones United B.  Both sides had made perfect starts to the Shield campaign, winning their opening three games to gain early advantage over their main rivals.  However, it was to be the away side who claim their early bragging rights but Arklow will be afforded a prompt opportunity for replying in kind as both sides face one another again next weekend, this time in the cup quarter final.

Mar 1  Rampant Town put seven past Newtown
Welcoming back Padria Kelleher from injury after a lengthy spell out injured alongside others sidelined through various illnesses and holidays, the Town's U13A side enjoyed a rare day when having five players on the bench afforded the manager luxuries not available in previous weeks!  Allowing for Newtown not being able to compete with Town on the day, some of the passing throughout the game was excellent and the overall aim, amongst both players and management alike, to keep a clean sheet, was achieved today.  Philip Nolan bagged a first half hat trick, making it eleven goals scored against Newtown alone this season.  Dean Doyle matched Nolan's effort in the second half, reward for some excellent play.  The pick of his goals was his second, latching on to a through ball to smash home from twenty yards out.  Jordan Forde added a seventh and in a pleasing performance Aidan O'Callaghan, Ryan Byrne, Gavin Forde and Rory Martin all more than contributed to a welcome three points.

Feb 24 Whisper it quietly.....
The Town's B team are enjoying a fantastic run and maintain their challenge, still, on all fronts, yet to fulfil their remaining fixtures in the League campaign, they further strengthened their early grip on Division 2 with a key win away at main rivals Coolboy Rangers.  The 2-1 victory was, as expected, a hard fought affair, with goals from both Harry Horsman and David Hobson securing what even at this relatively early stage in the Shield campaign looks a massive three points.  The A team were idle this weekend without a game.

Feb 10  Honours even at Whitegates
A real humdinger of a game at Whitegates between two well matched rivals, Wicklow Rovers and Arklow Town.  The Town struck first, a deserved reward for the pressure placed on the Rovers defence right from the off.  In the sixth minute, a pinpoint corner from Jordan Forde was not properly cleared and Gavin Forde was first to react, hammering home from close range.  Both sides gave it their all, no quarter given in a tough tussle for midfield supremacy.  With Diarmuid Larkin and Jonathan Delahunt (left) in fine form, Arklow maintained the upper hand, assisted by a backline solid and unforgiving.  Rovers upped their game in the second half and their persistence finally paid off in the closing minutes with keeper JJ Maghery left stranded helpless as the ball was lobbed over him into the empty Arklow net.  Disappointment, for sure, amongst the players at the end, having appeared to have done enough to win but heads should be held high after the level of performance.  Best players on the day were Jordan Delahunt, Gavin Forde, Brendan O'Neill and Ciaran Burke.

Feb 2 Bs win comfortably on the road as As falter
In The B team went to Kilcoole earlier today and emerged with what can only be described as a triumph in adversity.  Regular keeper Sam Cook was out injured and his deputy, Ian Ferguson, took a knock which forced a change between the sticks.  Stephen Nuzum stepped into the position and performed well, even if a 6-2 scoreline away at St. Anthony's indicates more joy down the other end.  David Hobson (right) scoreds twice, as did Oliver Hill and further goals came from Harry Horsman and Brendan O'Shea, as the B team kept their fine run going.  Meanwhile, manager Joe Byrne gives the following account of his side, who faced Ardmore Rovers at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today - in what can only be described as a game of two halves today, the under 13As, starting the game without five regular players due to injury, sickness and holidays, ended up on the wrong end of a 4-1 scoreline against Ardmore Rovers A.  The Town started off with keeper Cian Ryan playing up front and forward Jonathan Delahunt in defence.  We looked bright and passed the ball very well but on their first attack Ardmore scored, a body blow.  We were well on top in the first half and were rewarded after 15 minutes when we scored probably one of the best goals you are likely to see scored in Bridgewater Centre Park, a through ball to Philip Nolan and he ran at the Rovers defence he jinked one way went the other then unleashed a rocket from at least 30 yards to leave the keeper with no chance.. "a breathtaking goal"...

Jan 26  Winning start for 13As
Without a ball to kick in anger since their last outing on December 16th, the U13A side travelled earlier today to a windy Newtown to face their hosts in their opening fixture of this season's Shield competition.  Struggling with the conditions in the opening exchanges Arklow failed to find any rhythm or cohesion in their play but that all changed with Philip Nolan opening the scoring, a direct result of lovely passing between midfield and the forwards.  By half time, the travelling Town side were four goals to the good, with Nolan adding to his opener and also both Jonathan Delahunt and Diarmuid Larkin chipping in with goals, to confirm the away side's dominance.  The only downside to the first half performance was the injury sustained to Ryan Byrne, which forced him off after only fifteen minutes.  Both Nolan and Larkin completed hat tricks in the second half to emphatically confirm the Town's superiority on the day and only sloppy goals conceded late on afforded the home side small comfort on the day.  Man of the match was captain Diarmuid Larkin with fine performances also from Jonathan Delahunt, Philip Nolan, Kevin Russell and Gavin Forde.  We would like also to wish a speedy recovery to both Padraig Kelleher and Daragh Murphy, both returning from injury in the near future after both having their respective casts removed this past week.  We eagerly await their return to club colours.  Also, we would like to wish all our players the very best tomorrow when they represent Wicklow against our near neighbours, Wexford, in a match to be played in Rosslare.  It's a great achievement to have such strong representation and credit to all involved.  Players selected are Diarmuid Larkin, Jordan Forde, Jonathan Delahunt, Patrick Power, Aidan O'Callaghan, Ryan Byrne, Cian Ryan, Gavin Forde and Brendan O'Neill.

Dec 16 Back to winning ways for the As
After a recent run of misfortune, the U13A side bounced back in some style earlier today with an outstanding display in Finn Park, Kilcoole, on a bitterly cold morning, against their hosts, St. Anthony's.  At times the football was breathtaking - Kevin Russell opening the scoring in the fifteenth minute after the keeper failed to hold a shot from twenty five yards.  The second goal, a ball falling to Diarmuid Larkin who played in Aidan O'Callaghan, who slotted home.  Not to be outdone from a free kick that was half cleared, Ciaran Burke, from twenty five yards out, scored another potential contender for Goal of the Season, when his driven side foot shot beat the keeper all ends up.  Diarmuid Larkin chipped in with number four to add to our first half tally.  Second half and we were continuing to play some great football - in particular the work of Rory Martin and Ryan Byrne down the left wing was excellent.  We had a spell of five minutes where we allowed St. Anthony's to score two goals, due in the main to sloppy defending from set plays, something we'll have to work on.  The side regrouped and substitute Philip Nolan scored another two fantastic goals, showing great strength to hold off defenders to score on both occasions.  Diarmuid Larkin scored another well worked goal and then not to be outdone by his Under 16 counterparts, goalkeeper Cian Ryan came on as a striker and scored a great headed goal from a Gavin Forde cross.  St. Anthony's scored another late consolation goal but on the day Arklow Town finally hit goal scoring form and they deserved the result with a great team performance.  Ryan Byrne was man of the match with Ciaran Burke, Aidan O' Callaghan, Rory Martin, and keeper JJ Maghery all enjoying outstanding games today.  Once again teamwork really payed off - a great way to sign off for the year.

Ryan Byrne - man of the match versus St. Anthony's

Conor Cleary

Dec 9  Mixed fortune for U13s
Our U13B side kept their charge for Division 2 honours firmly on track with a convincing 12-0 victory away at bottom side Greystones United C.  Three players finished the game with hat-tricks - Peter Ryan, David Hobson, and Conor Cleary (left).  Other goals came from Darren O'Connor, Vincent Lambert and Aaron Murphy in what was a fine all-round team performance.  The U13A side, on the other hand, returned from Ballywaltrim with no reward for an excellent team performance.  Facing league leaders Ardmore Rovers A needing a win to keep alive hopes of winning the League required a big effort from the team and in fairness they rose to the challenge, even in defeat.   Town started brightly with Dean Doyle close to opening the scoring in the fifth minute, just failing to connect with a Jonathan Delahunt cross.  As the game settled down both sides were enjoying the battle, with both defences excellent.  Ardmore pierced the Town defence in the twentieth minute and it was to prove, on the day, to be the difference.  Chasing the game, the Town continued to play good attacking football and came closest to levelling matters in the second half when a fine one two between Jonathan Delahunt and Diarmuid Larkin resulted in the ball crashing off the Ardmore crossbar, the keeper helpless.  As a unit the Town's defence today were superb, really on top of their game.  Sometimes, even in defeat, you have to look beyond the result and dwell alone on the positives:  today, the team were brilliant.

Nov 25 Town defeated in top of the table clash
A real top of the table clash ended in a home defeat today at Bridgewater Centre Park for Arklow Town.  With both teams heavily represented in the Under 13 Wicklow Development Squad this was going to be a case of two good teams battling it out for this years honours.  Losing both Brendan O'Neill, to basketball duties, and top scorer Jonathan Delahunt, injured, we were forced to make changes.  However, this is the reason for carrying a large panel, so that all players can adapt at short notice when called upon.  We started bright but failed to react to a Jordan Forde free kick which came back off the post in the first five minutes.  Ardmore were pushing us hard and were first to react to the breaking ball.  They were rewarded in the 20th minute when hesitancy in the Arklow defence allowed the Ardmore striker a clean run on goal, to slot past Cian Ryan.  Almost immediately we responded when a delightful through ball from Aidan O'Callaghan split the away team's defence for Philip Nolan to latch on to, and a brilliant lob over the on-coming keeper drew us level.  Half time, honours even and very little between us, it was always going to be tight and all respect to Ardmore, they are a very honest and hard working team and did not give us a chance to settle when on the ball.  A break from Ardmore, and in truth poor defending from our lads, allowed the Ardmore striker to turn and shoot past our keeper for their second goal, three minutes into the second half, and they were on the up.  We pushed for the equaliser and Philip Nolan, through once again, landed badly on his shoulder, adding to our ever increasing injury list.  Ardmore soaked up our pressure and on the day we needed one or two more players to step up and be counted and put in a performance like man of the match captain Diarmuid Larkin, who was outstanding today.  The League is not over yet but with Ardmore to play away and Wicklow Rovers next week we will need a big lift to once again put us back to winning ways.  Hopefully we will be back to full strength for next weeks big game home to Wicklow Rovers.  Town were well served today by Ciaran Burke, Aidan O'Callaghan, Ryan Byrne and Diarmuid Larkin.

Diarmuid Larkin

Ryan Byrne

Patrick Power, an early casualty through injury

Nov 11 Major disappointment for A team in shock cup exit
A day to forget for the previously unbeaten U13A side as they made a shock departure from this season's Troy Cup, losing 3-0 to Lakeland Youths in Leopardstown Park.  Town endured a disastrous start, conceding two goals inside the opening six minutes and losing the services of Patrick Power through injury.  Jonathan Delahunt's injury in the twentieth minute added to Arklow woes and you got a sense it wasn't to be Arklow's day.  A swirling wind helped neither side, conditions making it hard to play a controlled passing game.  The Town huffed and puffed but to no avail.  Arklow improved after half time, trying hard to get back into the tie.  A Jordan Forde free kick crashed off the crossbar with Gavin Forde first to react but his header went straight into the inviting arms of the Lakelands keeper.  Pushing the home side right to the bitter end, Town playing with just three at the back, were caught on a break, a third Lakelands goal to rub salt into the open wound.  In the end, a wake up call for the boys, serving to emphasise the nature of a long season ahead.  Goals win matches and the Dublin side, although not a great side by any means, took their chances well.  Town on the other hand lacked shape and self-belief, the passing astray and considering the talent within the squad, the most disappointing aspect on the day being the apparent lack of desire to win the match.

Nov 4 Hobson's Choice
Very much David Hobson's day at Bridgewater Centre Park on Sunday as the U13B side continued their impressive winning streak of late that has seen the side work their way into a very promising challenge at the top of U13 Division 2.  Having thumped unbeaten league leaders Coolboy the previous weekend, confidence was high.  However, the performance, though positive, never quite hit the heights of the previous week.  Needless to say, it will be a day not forgotten too readily by David Hobson (right) who netted five times, with a sixth from Harry Horsman, easing the Town side to a 6-3 victory over a gallant Ardmore Rovers. 

Oct 21 Excellent workout for A team in Gorey, in ten goal thriller!
Not for the first time this season, our U13A side were without a game in WDSL competition.  However, this latest gap in the WDSL programme allowed the team to avail of an opportunity to make the short trip to Gorey, to face a stronger Gorey Rangers AFC U14 side, as the Wexford side do not have a side representing them at U13 level.  It was a perfect opportunity to blood new boys, Dean Doyle (left, top) and Philip Nolan (left, bottom), two recent signings from Arklow United; as well as a chance to tinker with positions - to see players trying a number of positions, it was an option forced upon the management with the added absence of three players through injuries and unavailability.  The Gorey team started much stronger and took an early two goal lead.  Kevin Russell pulled one back for the Arklow side but the Town again found themselves two goals down, almost immediately from the restart.  Early into the second half, things were to go from bad to worse, as the Gorey side increased their lead to 5-1.  Jordan Forde was introduced on the right wing and Jonathan Delahunt pushed up from defence into attack.  Some outstanding defending from Ryan Byrne, Paddy Power and Brendan O'Neill kept the Arklow lads in the hunt.  Jordan Forde scored Arklow's second and that was soon followed by another, from Jonathan Delahunt.  Man of the match Kevin Russell grabbed his second and Arklow were right back in the game, 4-5 down, pressing hard for a leveller with time ticking away.  The tireless Diarmuid Larkin, who put in a great shift in midfield, was fouled twenty five yards out.  From the free kick a powerful drive from Jordan Forde slipped through the keeper's hands and the sides were level, five goals apiece.  The game finished level, a great comeback by the younger Arklow side and a scoreline reading 5-5 ensured all went home happy with the entertainment offered.

Many thanks indeed to Gorey Rangers AFC for their excellent hospitality and we look forward to returning the compliment, as this was the perfect type of challenge game for the lads as they pursue honours this season.

Oct 21 Fantastic scalp for the A team
An excellent day's work for the U13A side as they faced long standing rivals Wicklow Rovers A in an eagerly anticipated National Cup contest at Bridgewater Centre Park earlier today.  Without doubt, the outstanding pick of the results amongst all our competing National Cup sides as the Town team sent Wicklow packing, 3-0 convincing winners.  Padraig Kelleher, not noted for his goals, indeed having never scored for the side before shining under lights a fortnight ago, against Newtown, had a super game and was rewarded with a second goal of the season.  Arklow controlled the game, free flowing football down both flanks putting Wicklow under increasing pressure.  Jonathan Delahunt scored the vital second goal before half time to give the Town increasing belief that this was to be their day.  Keeper Cian Ryan emerged on top in a one on one with a Rovers forward and not long after, a delicious piece of skill from Ciaran Burke on the edge of the Wicklow area, controlling the ball with his right foot, shifting it onto his left and lobbing the Wicklow keeper with great aplomb.  A spirited effort on the day from Wicklow Rovers but truth be told, on the day they were no match for an excellent Arklow performance.

Meanwhile, in league action, the 13B side enjoyed an excellent 4-0 win at home against St, Anthony's with Brendan O'Shea, Daragh O'Connor and Conor Cleary amongst the goals.