WHAT HAPPENED
Our under-18s held on for a hard-fought 1-0 win at Reading as they chalked up their second league win of the season.
Alfie Matthews scored the game's only goal with a smart header from a delightful delivery from captain Ben Cottrell.
We threatened twice early on, first with Kido Taylor-Hart splitting the defence for Joel Lopez, only for the Spanish full back to see his low cross not receive the finishing touch it deserved.
Then Miguel Azeez went close, swapping passes with Matthews twice before sending a powerful effort clear of the crossbar.
The goal came not long after, with Cottrell cutting inside from the right flank before delivering a splendid cross for Matthews to nod into the Reading net.
Hubert Graczyk was called upon to keep our lead intact, parrying over a powerful header before Azeez fired over once again as the half drew to a close.
Second-half substitute Sam Greenwood then bamboozled the Reading left back before Nathan Butler-Oyedeji was taken down in the area to give us a penalty.
Greenwood stepped up, but his spot kick - which went low and to the goalkeeper's left - was held.
We almost doubled our lead late on when a surging run from Matt Dennis ended with his angled drive being tipped over, before Graczyk was again called into action to hold on to one final effort and ensure the three points came back to north London.
WHAT IT MEANS
WHAT'S NEXT
Next up for Ken Gillard's youngsters is the visit of Tottenham to Arsenal Training Centre.
The game will be played at 11am (UK time) on Saturday, October 19.
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