Our Under-18s booked their spot in the FA Youth Cup fifth round after a dramatic penalty shootout victory on a chilly evening at Meadow Park.
The game was a thrilling affair, with goals from Andre Harriman-Annous, Max Dowman, and Louis Zecevic John, before Jack Porter’s heroics in the shootout sealed a 4-2 win over QPR.
We made a bright start, with Max Dowman showcasing his skill by gliding past two defenders, only to see his shot saved by the keeper. Moments later, we took the lead. Ceadach O’Neill delivered a delightful ball to Andre Harriman-Annous, who calmly opened his body and slotted into the bottom corner.
QPR responded strongly, with Jack Porter making a fantastic save to deny Teddy Tarbotton from equalising. However, the visitors drew level when Ridwan Hassan floated a cross into the box, and Emerson Sutton volleyed it home.
We came close to retaking the lead just before halftime, but O’Neill’s powerful strike crashed against the crossbar.
QPR started the second half on the front foot, capitalising on a counter-attack led by Jake Coomes. Coomes passed across to Sutton, who rounded Porter and smashed in his second to put the visitors ahead.
We weren’t behind for long, as Max Dowman delivered a moment of magic. Picking up the ball out wide, he cut inside, feinted past a defender, and finished with composure to make it 2-2.
Extra Time Drama
Despite our best efforts, the match headed into extra time. Early in the additional period, we reclaimed the lead when Dan Casey’s pinpoint cross found Louis Zecevic John, who tapped home from close range.
QPR, however, refused to back down. With just five minutes remaining in extra time, Sutton completed his hat-trick on the counter-attack, forcing the game into a penalty shootout.
Penalty Shootout
The shootout began nervously for us as we missed our opening spot-kick. But Jack Porter came to the rescue, saving QPR’s first two penalties and giving us the upper hand. From there, we were flawless, with Daniel Oyetunde calmly converting the decisive penalty to secure a 4-2 win and spot in the fifth round.
WHAT IT MEANS
We advance to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup, where we will face Fulham away.
Fixture details will be shared as soon as they are confirmed.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re back in league action next week as we entertain West Ham on Saturday, January 25.
Kick-off at Sobha Realty Training Centre is scheduled for 11am (UK time).
LINE-UPS
Arsenal XI: Porter, Julienne (Salmon, 78) Onyekachukwu, Clarke, Sweet, Ibrahim (Marciniak, 120) Copley (Murisa, 78), Casey, Dowman, O'Neill (Zecevic John, 60), Harriman-Annous (Oyetunde, 110)
Subs (not used): Ranson, Chapman
QPR XI: Loades, Putman, Adjetey-Brew (Ashamu, 105), Keita-Turay (Cuthbert, 94), Street, Neill (Kennedy, 90) Coomes (Sanyaolu, 83) Tarbotton (Wiles, 104), Hassan, Neziri, Sutton
Subs (not used): Jones, Friel
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