Arsenal U18s beat champions Aston Villa to wrap up the season in style
Arsenal U18s wrapped up the season in style, securing a 3-0 win over champions Aston Villa in the U18 Premier League South on Sunday afternoon.
Forward Andre Harriman-Annous was denied a penalty early in the game after hitting the deck in the Villa penalty area.
Midfielder Max Dowman came close to grabbing the opener in the 18th minute but could only fire his effort straight at goalkeeper Owen Asemota.
Jack McGrath’s effort to give Villa the lead was saved by goalkeeper Khari Ranson before Asemota produced another save to deny Dan Casey.
In the 22nd minute, forward Markie Meade was shown a red card for violent conduct, reducing the hosts to 10 men.
Despite their numerical disadvantage, they nearly took the lead when McGrath broke through one-on-one, but Ranson made a brilliant save to deny him from scoring.
Arsenal quickly reacted and took the lead in the 29th minute through Dowman, who won the possession high up the pitch before rifling his shot into the bottom corner.
Forward Louis Zecevic-John missed an opportunity to double the Gunners’ lead before the break, heading Theo Julienne’s cross over the post.
Five minutes after the restart, Dowman doubled Arsenal’s lead, slotting the ball home after dribbling past four defenders to net his 14th goal in seven games.
Substitute Ceadach O’Neill had two separate efforts to extend Arsenal’s lead, but Asemota was equal to them.
Zecevic-John sealed the win in the 63rd minute, showing a good reaction in the box to strike the ball home.
Asemota made another save late in the game to prevent Harriman-Annous from getting on the scoresheet.
Arsenal finished the season in third place, three points behind Villa, with Casey ending as the club’s top scorer with 18 goals.
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