Arsenal U18s made it through to the fourth round of the FA Youth Cup this week but they had to work very hard to achieve that objective as they won 4-3 away to non-league side Hertford Town.
Dan Casey scored a brace, which included a spectacular strike, while Andre Harriman-Annous and Louie Copley also managed to get on the scoresheet as Adam Birchall registered his first victory since succeeding Jack Wilshere as coach of Arsenal’s U18 side.
Arsenal were without Ayden Heaven. The defender is eligible to play in the Youth Cup this season but was instead required to be named on the bench for the first-team against Manchester United last night.
Birchall deployed Theo Julienne at right-back, with the central defensive partnership consisting of Brayden Clarke and first-year scholar Samuel Onyekachukwu. With Cam’ron Ismail out, Will Sweet featured at left-back.
Sweet, a Wales youth international, is the regular captain of Arsenal’s U18 team but he usually plays at centre-back.
The 18-year-old adapted well to playing at left-back and demonstrated his passing range with some neat balls upfield.
Arsenal will now await the draw for the fourth round of the competition and it is likely that the spirit that they showed to overcome Hertford Town could be required again.
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Jeorge Bird is the author of www.arsenalyouth.wordpress.com Follow him on Twitter @jeorgebird