History was made in Wicklow last weekend, we will hear how the Women’s soccer league began in earnest.
Girls League Kicks Off in Wicklow
As storm clouds gathered over Travers Insurance Park, home of Arklow Town FC, the referee’s whistle signalled the beginning of a new chapter for girls’ football in the county. The inaugural match of the Wicklow Girls League got underway, delivering a spirited and highly competitive contest that showcased the growing talent in the region.
Credit is due to the Wicklow & District Schoolboys/Girls League (WDSL) for securing the Arklow venue to host fixtures every second Saturday. The arrangement ensures that, barring an orange weather warning, matches will continue as scheduled — a testament to the league’s commitment to providing regular opportunities for girls to play and compete.
The energy, enthusiasm, and skill on display at Travers Insurance Park promise an exciting season ahead for girls’ football in Wicklow.
Every week we will try and feature different teams in the league first up is
Aughrim Rangers vs Newcastle United.
Aughrim Secure Historic Win Over Newcastle in Girls League Opener
Aughrim produced an assured display of passing football in their opening Wicklow Girls League fixture, eventually running out 2–0 winners against a determined Newcastle side at Travers Insurance Park.
Playing in blustery conditions, Aughrim settled into their rhythm early, while Newcastle took time to find their footing. The midfield battle was evenly contested, with both sides creating chances despite the swirling wind. The breakthrough came midway through the first half when Aughrim’s No. 9, Evie Brenna, struck a low, powerful shot that slipped past the stand-in Newcastle goalkeeper, giving Aughrim a narrow lead at the interval.
Newcastle came out stronger after the restart, pressing high and showing real tenacity. They carved out a number of good opportunities but were unable to convert, sending a couple of efforts narrowly wide of the Aughrim goal. With just one goal separating the teams, the match remained finely poised until late on, when Aughrim’s lively winger Saoirse Murphy broke down the right flank and delivered a pinpoint cross, finishing smartly at the back post to seal the win.
The game ended Aughrim 2 – Newcastle 0, but the scoreline only told part of the story. Both sides showed great spirit and skill in what was a competitive and good-natured encounter, warmly applauded by the spectators.
In doing so, these young players made a little bit of history — becoming the first girls to play in an organised league in County Wicklow, paving the way for future generations to follow.
In the other fixture, Ashford Rovers faced Arklow United in a closely contested encounter. Arklow struck first, finding the net in injury time at the end of the first half to take a 1–0 lead into the break.
Ashford responded well after the restart, equalising early in the second half to make it 1–1. However, Arklow regained control as the game progressed, piling on the pressure and adding three unanswered goals to secure an impressive 4–1 victory. Both teams showed great determination and effort throughout an entertaining match.
Wicklow Town Advance in SFAI Cup After Impressive Win
Meanwhile, Wicklow Town — the only team from the county to enter the SFAI Cup at this age group — made the long trip to Tipperary to face Cahir Park. Having gained valuable experience playing in Wexford last season, the Wicklow girls looked composed and confident from the start.
Their journey south proved worthwhile, as they delivered a dominant performance to claim a 5–0 victory, booking their place in the second round of the national competition.
This weekend the Jimmy Hackett Memorial Shield and Cup will be the Feature Games.
Held in St. Anthonys in Kilcoole’ on Sunday October 12th. Winners will be presented by the family.
Shield final has Arklow town Blue Vs Arklow town Yellow @ 11.30am.
Cup Final has Ashford Rovers Vs Aughrim Rangers @ 1pm
No comments:
Post a Comment