The youth team took on Arsenal in their final match of 2009, in fact it was their last match until January 16 now that Academy football has entered its winter break.

With Jed Steer away with the first team, under-16 goalkeeper Remi Matthews kept his place in goal, and it proved to be a busy day for him as we met an Arsenal side in good form.

In fact just seven minutes in Arsenal took the lead following a defensive error and the Arsenal forward gave Matthews no chance and put his side ahead.

Arsenal came close to extending their lead, centre-back David Stephens was forced to clear off his own goal line before Remi Matthews made a good save to keep the score at 1-0.

We had plenty of possession but found it difficult to break Arsenal down, Ryan Oakley had our best chance of the first half when he volleyed over from George Francomb's cross.

Arsenal extended their lead just before the half-time break, the Arsenal forward broke our offside trap and ran through unopposed to score and make it 2-0 at half-time.

We came out with an improved fighting spirit in the second half looking to get ourselves back in the game. Ryan Oakley did well to win the ball from a defender but the Arsenal player responded well and won the ball back for his team before Ryan had a chance to get his shot away.

Danny Kelly saw a shot well saved by the Arsenal 'keeper but just when we were getting on top Arsenal counter attacked and their wide player finished from close range to make the score 3-0.

We did manage to pull a goal back after Danny Kelly was brought down in the penalty area and George Francomb stepped up to convert the spot-kick, this was shortly after George had seen a free-kick sail just wide of the Arsenal goal.

We continued to push forward in search of another goal, but Arsenal defended well for the remainder of the game and sealed their win.

I was disappointed with the result and the manner in which we conceded two of our goals. Earlier in the season when we played Arsenal at their venue we battled hard for a draw and matched them on the day, I was hoping for more of the same last week but Arsenal proved too strong.

Ricky Martin
Academy Manager