Our Under-18s made it six wins on the bounce as we came from behind to secure a dramatic 2-1 victory away at Crystal Palace on Thursday morning.
After falling behind to a first-half penalty, late goals from Andre Harriman-Annous and Cam’ron Ismail sealed a vital three points in our pursuit of the league title.
What Happened
We started brightly and nearly took the lead within the opening five minutes, but Louie Copley’s effort was heroically cleared off the line.
Despite our early pressure, it was the hosts who struck first. Ben Casey stepped up to convert from the spot after an incident in the box and give Palace the lead.
We continued to push for an equaliser, with Dan Casey going close on two occasions — first forcing a save that resulted in a corner, and then setting up A Harriman-Annous, who dragged his shot just wide.
After the break, Teshaun Murisa entered the fray and quickly made an impact, sliding a pass into Ceadach O’Neill, whose low drive from the edge of the area was saved.
Brando Bailey-Joseph also came off the bench and provided a spark down the wing, weaving past defenders before curling just over the top corner.
Our pressure finally told ten minutes from time. Neat interplay between Harriman-Annous and Bailey-Joseph saw the former brought down in the box. Harriman-Annous dusted himself off and calmly slotted home the penalty, sending the keeper the wrong way.
Then, in the dying moments, we completed the turnaround. Bailey-Joseph delivered a superb ball into the box, and Cam’ron Ismail arrived at the back post to finish with confidence — sparking jubilant celebrations at the end.
What It Means
A sixth successive win lifts us to third in the table on 37 points after 20 matches, keeping us firmly in the title race with games in hand on the teams above.
What’s Next?
Our Under-18s are back in action on Saturday 26 April, as we host Reading at the Sobha Realty Training Centre.
Kick-off is at 12pm (UK time).
Line-Ups
Crystal Palace XI: Hill (Mason, 46) Judd, Benamar, Danaher (Okoli, 80), Somade, Jemide (Fassida, 55) Whyte, Adams-Collman, Brownlie (Osei, 80), Williams, Casey
Subs (not used): Martin, Okoli
Arsenal XI: Ranson, Clarke, Onyekachukwu, Sweet, Ogunnaike (Murisa, 46), Ibrahim, Copley, Casey (Marciniak, 67) O’Neill (Bailey-Joseph, 55), Harriman-Annous, Zecevic John (Ismail, 87)
Subs (not used): Porter,
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