Deadlock in Arklow Town derby game
Wednesday March 10 2010
'THE FUTURE'S bright, the future's orange', read the advertising slogan. Those present at Arklow's Community College on Saturday last witnessed one of the most joyous yet intense 'derby' games imaginable as two new Arklow Town U-8 teams came face to face in a staggeringly enjoyable WDSL U-8 Orange 6 encounter with both sides settling for a share of the spoils in a fascinating 3-3 draw.
It proved to be a game that had everything. One team two goals to the good at half time, and cruising, suddenly finding themselves 3-2 down with just minutes remaining, and then levelling in dramatic fashion.
Stupendous goals, tackles that would make a traditional Italian centre half wince and a game played in the most sporting of manners. Arklow Town F had taken a commanding two goal lead in the first half with two fine goals from Eimhin McCormack and Ross Breen.
The drama though was saved for the second half as Town's G team hauled themselves back into the tie. Sean O'Neill drove forward from his central defensive position to smash home their first goal and he then followed that by netting from the rebound after his penalty had smacked off the crossbar just two minutes after his first goal.
Sean Breen, industrious all game for the G team, drove home a wonderful third goal for the G team to give them the lead, but the drama was far from ended as Arklow's F team rallied.
Jack Kavanagh netted from close range to ensure the spoils were deservedly shared, football the winner on the day.
Both teams, a credit to their respective management teams, are products of the Arklow club's 6s and 7s Club, due to re-open its doors in the coming weeks. If every game proved as enjoyable as this then the future of schoolboy football is in safe keeping.
