Our under 16's made the long journey to Cork to take on Youghal United in the last 32 of the SFAI cup this weekend. Unfortunately the lads suffered a 3-1 defeat proving that home advantage at this stage of the competition means a lot. Rovers started brightly with Lorcan Sinnott and Brandon Battams both having chances. Matthew Keane had to be alert a couple of times in the Rovers goal to thwart Youghal getting in. Alex Earls was next to go close when his header beat the keeper but agonisingly hit the crossbar. The deadlock was broken five minutes from the break when a Youghal corner was met by their number 10 and looped his effort over Matthew keane in the goal. Very little to separate the sides at he break with the home side with their noses in front. Rovers again started brightly and were rewarded with a great equaliser when Charlie Czwalina beautifully lobbed the keeper from thirty yards out. Youghal took the lead again five minutes later from a corner when their number 10 again fired low to Matthew Keane's right. Keane got his glove to the ball but couldn’t keep it out. It was a hotly disputed goal as Rovers felt the ball had gone out for a throw first and then there were two players in an offside position before the corner was awarded. Rovers pushed and pushed for an equaliser and were caught on the break to put the tie beyond their reach. A great achievement for this Rovers team to reach the last 32 and they still have the semi final of the south Leinster region to contest. A credit to them for how they conducted themselves on the day making the club and their families proud. A fantasic game, a superb atmosphere and a great experience for the lads. The under 16’s and everyone at Wicklow Rovers AFC would like to wish Youghal United the very best of luck in the last 16 and thank them for their hospitality on the day.