Our under-18s advanced to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup with a thrilling 4-3 victory over Hertford Town on Tuesday night.
Andre Harriman-Annous, Louie Copley, and a brilliant brace from Dan Casey secured the win, as we battled past a resilient Hertford side in a game full of excitement and drama.
WHAT HAPPENED
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We started the brighter of the two sides and took an early lead through a composed finish from Andre Harriman-Annous. Our young Gunners nearly doubled their advantage when Dan Casey broke in behind the Hertford defence, only to see his powerful effort fly over the bar.
The home side responded well, coming close when Finley Lynch narrowly missed George Andreou’s inviting delivery, with the ball brushing past the post. They didn’t have to wait long for their equaliser, as Archie O’Brien pounced on a loose ball to fire a shot across goal and into the bottom corner.
Just before the break, we regained control with two quick-fire goals. Dan Casey restored our lead with a moment of brilliance, deftly chipping the ball over the onrushing keeper after a perfectly weighted pass from Louis Zecevic-John.
Minutes later, Louie Copley extended the advantage, reacting sharply to a deflected ball in the box to finish from close range, putting us firmly in command heading into halftime.
After the break, Hertford hit back from the penalty spot when Finley Lynch was adjudged to have been brought down by Sweet. Lynch stepped up and calmly converted from 12 yards, narrowing our lead to just one.
We responded brilliantly, regaining our two-goal advantage through a moment of magic from Dan Casey, who unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that left the goalkeeper with no chance.
Hertford refused to back down and pulled another goal back with five minutes of normal time remaining. A mistake at the back allowed Nathan Devshi to finish clinically and set up a nervy finale.
The home side threw everything at us, pushing hard during a lengthy period of added time. However, our young Gunners stood firm, defending resiliently up to the 100th minute to secure a 4-3 victory and book our place in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup.
WHAT IT MEANS
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We’ve secured our spot in the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup! The draw for the next round will take place soon, and we’ll share the details as soon as they’re confirmed. The tie is scheduled to be played no later than Saturday, January 18, 2025.
WHAT’S NEXT
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Our under-18s will now take a break until the new year. However, several members of the squad will be part of the under-19s team facing Monaco in their final UEFA Youth League group stage match.
That game takes place on Wednesday, December 11, at the Mangata Pay UK Stadium, with kick-off set for 1pm (UK time).
LINE-UPS
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**Arsenal XI:** Porter, Julienne, Onyekachukwu, Clarke, Sweet, Ibrahim, Copley, Casey (Murisa, 90+2), Zecevic John (Bailey-Joseph, 70) O'Neill (Salmon, 90+4) Harriman-Annous
**Subs (not used)**: Ranson, Ogunnaike, Hashi, Oyetunde
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