A round-up of football in the WDSL this week
Wicklow Sides Battle Hard in SFAI Interleague Action
It was another busy weekend of football for Wicklow’s underage sides, as both the U14 and U16 squads were in action in the SFAI Interleague Competitions.
U16s Face Tough Test Against Wexford
The Wicklow U16s, still gelling as a squad after only coming together in the past fortnight, faced a strong Wexford side in their latest group outing. Despite a 5–0 defeat, there were plenty of positives to take from the performance. The Wicklow youngsters showed character, effort, and glimpses of real quality — encouraging signs that as they grow together, the results will soon follow.
Mixed Fortunes for the U14S
Both Wicklow U14 teams took on the Midlands League, with a strong home crowd out in support. The fans were treated to plenty of entertainment — goals, saves, and solid defensive displays across both matches.
WDSL Yellow were beaten by a powerful Midlands Red side. Like their U16 counterparts, this new group is still finding its rhythm, but the talent and potential are clearly there for all to see.
Meanwhile, WDSL Blue impressed with a 4–1 comeback win over Midlands Blue. Most of this team have played together for several seasons, including a runners-up finish at the Galway Cup in August, and their understanding showed once again as they produced an excellent performance to take the points.
Finals Day in Arklow Defies the Weather
While Storm Amy forced many leagues across the country to postpone fixtures, the WDSL powered ahead with their Knockout Season trophy finals at Travers Insurance Park in Arklow. Despite blustery winds, the day remained bright and perfect for football — a fitting backdrop for a strong finish to the local season.
Ashford Rovers Crowned Champions in U12 Division 1 Trophy Final
K&K Windows U12 Division 1 Trophy Final
Ashford Rovers A 2 – Shillelagh United Youths 0
Ashford Rovers A captured the K&K Windows U12 Division 1 Trophy after a hard-fought 2–0 win over Shillelagh United Youths in a thrilling contest that lived up to expectations.
These two sides have been inseparable all season — their most recent league encounter ended 1–1 — so another tight affair was always on the cards.
From the first whistle, Ashford hit the ground running with their trademark fast, passing style and clever use of the flanks. Early pressure saw several half-chances come and go before the breakthrough finally arrived midway through the first half.
Ben O’Donnell picked out Dylan Smith on the edge of the box, and Smith made no mistake, driving a low shot into the bottom corner before celebrating in style.
Shillelagh pressed hard for an equaliser, but Ashford’s midfield stood firm, breaking up play and turning defence into attack with composure. They nearly doubled their lead just before the break when Hugh Doyle’s powerful effort looked destined for the top corner, only for Youths’ keeper Howard to produce a superb acrobatic save to keep his side in touch.
Half-time: Ashford Rovers 1–0 Shillelagh United
Second-Half Battle
Shillelagh came out strong after the restart, determined to get back on level terms. Sam Collins tested Rovers’ keeper Sebastien twice from set-pieces, but both efforts were expertly saved.
As the half wore on, the game turned into a tactical chess match — Shillelagh pushing forward with intent, and Ashford looking dangerous on the counter.
The woodwork came to Ashford’s rescue when Robin Nolan’s long-range strike skimmed the outside of the post, but that near miss only spurred Rovers on.
With ten minutes to play, their counterattack plan paid off. A swift move involving centre-back Hugh Doyle and midfielder Topal released Dylan Smith, who timed his run perfectly to beat the offside trap and calmly slot home his second of the day.
Ashford finished strongly, with keeper Howard again pulling off a string of saves to keep Shillelagh in it. Right at the death, Shillelagh almost grabbed a consolation when Lily Nolan’s superb free kick was tipped onto the crossbar by Bruno in the Rovers goal.
Deserved Champions
The final whistle brought scenes of joy for Ashford Rovers, who claimed a fully deserved 2–0 victory after a high-quality, end-to-end contest — a fitting finale to a superb U12 Division 1 Trophy campaign.
Roundwood Stage Dramatic Comeback to Claim U15 Division 1 Title
K&K Windows U15 Division 1 Final
Arklow United B 3 – Roundwood 3 (Roundwood win on penalties)
Supporters at the K&K Windows U15 Division 1 Final were treated to a true cup classic as Roundwood produced a stunning comeback, recovering from 3–0 down at half-time to level the game and win on penalties.
Arklow United looked unstoppable in the opening half, racing into a three-goal lead with some superb attacking play. The home side appeared to be cruising towards victory as the teams went in at the break.
Whatever was said in the Roundwood dressing room at half-time clearly worked wonders. The manager’s motivational words — worthy of their own book, perhaps! — inspired a remarkable turnaround.
Roundwood flew out of the blocks after the restart, striking twice in quick succession to breathe life into their comeback. At 3–2, Arklow appeared to steady the ship, but Roundwood’s relentless pressure eventually paid off when they grabbed a dramatic equaliser with just minutes remaining.
With the sides deadlocked at 3–3 after full-time, it all came down to penalties. In the end, Roundwood goalkeeper Eoin Davis was the hero, saving Arklow’s final spot-kick to seal an incredible victory and break United hearts.
It was a thrilling final that had everything — goals, drama, and a comeback for the ages. Both teams deserve immense credit for producing one of the standout games of the season.
Results from the weekend
U15s Div 1
Arklow Utd B v Roundwood
3 - 3
Roundwood win on Penalties
U13s Division 2
Arklow United 3 Newtown Juniors 0
U15s Premier
Arklow Utd v Rathnew
5- 1 to Rathnew
U16s Premier
Glencormac v Aughrim
3 - 1 to Glencormac
U12s Prem
St Anthony's v Wicklow Rovers
1 - 1 Wicklow Rovers Win on Penalties
U12s Div 2
Rathnew AFC beat Ashford Rovers 3 0
U14s Div 1
Arklow United FC beat Rathnew AFC 5 1
U12s Division 1
Ashford beat Shillelagh United Youths
2 - 0 to
U14s Premier Wicklow Rovers beat Aughrim Rangers 2 0
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