By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Our under-18s left it too late to stage a comeback, losing 3-2 to Fulham at Motspur Park.
The hosts went in front when Daniel Ballard diverted the ball into his own net, before Michael Elstone held off Ballard before firing in a second.
Kostas Pileas was then penalised as the Cottagers were awarded a penalty for a foul on Isaac Pearce, with Joe Felix sending Alex Crean the wrong way.
Yassin Fortune pulled a goal back for the Gunners, before Trae Coyle’s weaving run ended with him curling into the net.
SETTING THE SCENE
Kwame Ampadu handed Crean a start in goal, with Jordi Osei-Tutu, Zech Medley, Ballard and Pileas lining up in defence.
Joe Willock partnered Charlie Gilmour in midfield, with Jay Beckford, Robbie Furton and Coyle played slightly further forward.
The Arsenal attack was led by Fortune.
FIRST HALF
Ampadu’s side were left to rue a nightmare opening 45 minutes which saw them head in at the interval trailing by two goals.
The opening goal came when Ballard attempted to clear the danger with a sliding effort, but could only turn Felix’s cross into his own goal.
Elstone then darted into the area before firing a low effort across goal and inside the foot of the far post.
SECOND HALF
Felix then sent a low effort into the left side of goal from 12 yards after Pileas was adjudged to have bundled over Pearce.
Fortune picked the ball up on the left, driving inside before drilling a low strike inside the near post.
The deficit was reduced further when Coyle slalomed between white shirts before sending an effort past the goalkeeper.
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