U18s report: Aston Villa 0-3 Arsenal

Our under-18s signed off the season in style with a commanding 3-0 victory away to Aston Villa. 

A brace from the in-form Max Dowman and a powerful finish from Louis Zecevic John secured all three points and confirmed a third-place finish in the U18 Premier League South.

What Happened

The game began evenly, with both sides showing composure in possession and moving the ball with intent. But the rhythm was disrupted when Villa’s Markie Meade received a straight red card for violent conduct, reducing the hosts to ten men.

Despite the numerical disadvantage, Villa—already crowned champions of the under-18s Premier League South—nearly took the lead when Jack McGrath broke through one-on-one. However, Khari Ranson produced a brilliant save, standing tall to deny the forward and keep the scores level.

We quickly capitalised. Max Dowman pressed high to win back possession, drove into the box, and rifled his shot into the bottom corner to give us the lead.

After the break, Dowman struck again. Picking up the ball in midfield, he danced past four Villa defenders before coolly slotting home to double our advantage—his 14th goal in just seven games, continuing a sensational scoring streak.

Just after the hour mark, Louis Zecevic John sealed the win, reacting sharply in the box to fire a powerful effort into the net and make it 3-0.

What It Means

The result sees us finish the season in third place with 44 points from 24 games—an impressive end to a promising campaign.

WHAT's next

Our under-18s will be back in mid-July to begin their pre-season preparations for the 2025/26 season.

Line-Ups

Aston Villa XI: Asemota, Lawrie, Wilson, Bloomfield, Burgess, Hayward (Bindley, 60), Ramsey (Quinn, 60), McGrath, Lynskey, Jenner, Meade.

Subs (not used): Atkins, Melmuish, Hammond.

Arsenal XI: Ranson, Julienne (Marciniak, 73), Clarke, Sweet, Washington (Ogunnaike, 73) Ibrahim (O’Neill, 46), Copley, Dowman, Casey (Ismail, 78, Harriman-Annous, Zecevic John.

Subs (not used): Porter.