By Connor Armstrong
SUMMARY
Our under-18s finished the season with a six-goal thriller as we shared the points at London Colney.
Donyell Malen scored the opening goal but Korrey Henry’s penalty sent the sides in level at the break.
A penalty of our own - courtesy of Joe Willock - restored the lead, before Daniel Ballard extended our advantage.
The visitors did not give up and struck back with Aji Alese and Anthony Scully both scoring in the final 20 minutes to secure a point.
SETTING THE SCENE
Kwame Ampadu handed a start to Alex Crean, who lined up behind a defence of Jordi Osei-Tutu, Ballard, Zech Medley and Tolaji Bola.
Charlie Gilmour partnered Josh Dasilva in central midfield.
Vlad Dragomir, Robbie Burton and Willock occupied more advanced positions.
Malen was chosen to spearhead the attack.
FIRST HALF
We got off to a promising start at the Arsenal Training Centre, with Malen thumping a shot high inside the near post after Willock steered the ball into his path.
The visitors were second best in the early stages but were handed a way back into the match when Ballard committed a foul in the penalty area.
Henry coolly despatched his effort from 12 yards, sending Crean the wrong way.
SECOND HALF
Willock opted for the same approach with his own penalty within 10 minutes of the restart as we nudged back ahead.
Ballard then poked the ball home at the near post after his initial effort from Dragomir’s corner had been kept out.
Alese’s half-volley at the far post saw the Hammers claw one back, before Scully whipped the ball just inside the far post in added time to rescue a point.
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