By Lloyd Webb at Meadow Park
Summary
Arsenal Under-18s made a fine start to their FA Youth Cup campaign as they comfortably beat West Brom 4-1 at Meadow Park on Friday.
The hosts went into the break with a two-goal lead after Jeff Reine-Adelaide and Ben Sheaf scored within 10 minutes of each other.
Donyell Malen extended the Gunners' advantage with a composed finish 15 minutes from the end, before Daniel Barbir pulled one back for the visitors.
But substitute Stephy Mavididi was only on the pitch for five minutes when he hammered home an acrobatic volley to round off a convincing display from Arsenal.
Setting the Scene
Steve Gatting named a strong side, calling on a number of the players who have featured for the under-19s and under-21s this term.
This saw the likes of Ismael Bennacer, Chris Willock, Malen, Reine-Adelaide and Sheaf all drafted into the starting XI.
Kaylen Hinds made his return following a short lay-off to captain the side, while ex-Arsenal goalkeeper Bradley House was included on West Brom’s bench.
First half
Arsenal started strongly and took the lead in the 15th minute when Reine-Adelaide rose well to head home a cross at the near post.
The Frenchman then turned provider, as he laid the ball off for Sheaf to curl into the bottom corner 10 minutes later.
Sheaf continued to cause mayhem and forced Matthew Hall into a fantastic save with a whipped free-kick moments later.
The midfielder had a golden opportunity to claim his second after Willock had won a penalty, but his effort was saved by Hall.
Second half
The second half did not start at the same breakneck speed as the first, and it took 20 minutes before Tyler Roberts cut inside and drilled the ball wide.
Malen then added a third when he raced on to a through ball and beat Hall with a cool finish.
Barbir pulled a goal back for the visitors late on when he found himself unmarked at the back post to poke the ball past Hugo Keto.
Substitute Mavididi then made an instant impact to add a fourth for the Gunners to seal their place in the next round.
Attendance: 516
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