Arsenal U18s 2-1 Everton U18s

A George Waring goal gave Everton a deserved half time lead but were cruelly dealt a blow in the second half as Arsenal struck two goals inside four second half minutes to give the Gunners their first win of the season courtesy of Hayden and Dawkins.

Duncan Ferguson in the absence of Kevin Sheedy made a number of changes that were defeated last weekend at West Ham.

Both teams had sufferd poor starts to the season with Arsenal a point better off at this stage than their visitors Everton as the game got underway at London Colney.

Ex West Ham winger Pat Holland also made 8 changes from their last outing as his side drew 1-1 draw at Blackburn last weekend.

The opening stages were relatively quiet but it was Everton that looked to open their account as Chris Long was denied a goal with a solid block from defender Isaac Hayden.

Only 60 seconds passed when Long became provider for George Waring to finish delightfully with a venomous shot into the bottom corner and beyond keeper Josh Vickers.

The young Toffees took control of the contest with full back Jon Joe Kenny also going close with a ferocious volley sailing over the frame of the goal.

Everton’s keeper was very fortunate as his goal kick hit Austin Lipman which rebounded off the frame of the goal to end a very lucky escape with the host’s looking more involved as the half wore on.

Forward Jeffery had two good chances to level natters for the Gunners firing wide on both occasions.
Springthorpe made up for his mistake earlier as he somehow managed to deny a goalbound header from the lively Hayden.

HALF TIME

ARSENAL U 18’S 0 EVERTON U18’S 1

Arsenal showed good spirit in the second half believing there was something in the game for them then just before the hour mark the inevitable happened as Hayden produced a fine finish from the edge of the box to level matters.

Dawkins nearly put the Gunners in front only for his effort to go wide and Everton were grateful for the miss.
Finally four minutes after the equalising goal, Hayden the scorer of the first became the provider as he set up Dawkins to finish in style and put the host’s in front for the first time in the contest.

Everton’s dismal start to the campaign was summed up as Long wasted a great chance to equalise as the home defence struggled to deal with Grant’s corner.

The last twenty minutes Everton did push for an equaliser but the stubborn defence from Arsenal held out to give them their first win of the season.

Next weekend is a free week with Everton taking on Reading at Finch farm on 15th September.

FULL TIME

ARSENAL U18’S 2 EVERTON U18’S 1

Teams: Arsenal: Vickers, Mugabo, Hayden, Fagan, Ormonde Ottewill, Jebb, Kamra, Dawkins, Jeffery, Iwobi, Lipman. Unused Subs: Ross, Dallison,Siemann, Uade

Everton: Springthorpe, Joe Kenny, Touray, Adelson,Langton(Duffus 88), Molyneux (C)(Williams 76), Ledson, Grant, Johns, Long, Waring (Charsley 60). Unused Subs: Griffiths (GK),Shannon