WHAT HAPPENED
A second-half blitz saw off the challenge of Colchester United and sealed our progression to the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup.
The game was goalless until the 40th minute, when Emile Smith Rowe’s fierce left-footed strike beat Harry Seaden to break the deadlock.
Emile Smith Rowe opens the scoring at the Weston Homes Community Stadium
The hosts drew level within three minutes of the restart, with Harry Jones converting a penalty.
Smith Rowe responded almost immediately, sending a stunning free-kick past the helpless Seaden before Bukayo Saka - who scored a crucial goal at Anfield earlier in the competition - got his name on the scoresheet.
With confidence now pulsing through Kwame Ampadu’s side, they registered a fourth goal when Folarin Balogun held his nerve to finish coolly.
Xavier Amaechi found just enough time to add a goal of his own, striking in the 74th minute to wrap up a fine evening’s work.
WHAT IT MEANS
We will now face Blackpool in the semi-finals of the FA Youth Cup, after they scored twice in the final two minutes come from 2-1 down to beat Blackburn Rovers.
Stay close to Arsenal.com for details of when the fixture will be played.
WHAT’S NEXT
Our under-18s now go on an extended break until they travel to Norwich on Saturday, March 17.
Emile Smith Rowe leads the celebrations
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