Elementary for Arklow's Watson
MAYNOOTH provided the latest obstacle for Arklow Town in their quest for FAI U-17 Challenge Cup glory.
The Kildare outfit visited the Bridgewater Centre Park on Saturday. The away side went into the weekend clash boasting an unbeaten record in all competitions this season.
The first 15 minutes proved to be very even with Arklow coming closest to scoring with a Ryan Murray shot in the 10th minute.
On 35 minutes, Dylan Orr teed up Ryan Murray 22 yards from goal and his low effort found the right hand corner of the net.
Both sides were fairly evenly matched; Maynooth constantly probed but Town goalkeeper Aaron Jackson had no real efforts to deal with.
Arklow grabbed their second goal of then contest on the hour mark. A Jamie Heffernan cross caused problems for the Maynooth goalkeeper and man of the match Ryan Murray benefited as he poked home from six yards.
But Maynooth weren't going down without a fight and with 15 minutes remaining on the clock a lapse of concentration in the centre of the Arklow defence allowed a Maynooth striker to head home from six yards past a disbelieving Jackson.
With the score now at 2-1, Maynooth upped the ante only for their hearts to be broken by Jack Watson. The little midfielder received an inch perfect pass from Cormac Breslin and hammered home from 18 yards with five minutes to go to seal his side's place in the next round.
Arklow Town now face an away tie against either Portlaoise or Cahir Park in the next round.
