Ipswich Town U18 -

Our under-18s maintained their unbeaten start to the U18 Premier League season with a 4-2 win over Ipswich Town at the Sobha Realty Training Centre on Saturday.

We got off to a quick start and took an early lead through Ceadach O’Neill, but Indiana Pedder equalised for the away side before half-time.

15 minutes into the second half it was 2-2, Archie Brown’s strike cancelling out substitute Kyran Thompson’s close range finish.

We restored our lead 20 minutes from time when Kyren Thompson dispatched a one-on-one opportunity after a fantastic run from Josiah King had sent him through on goal, before Brando Bailey-Joseph made the points safe eight minutes later, finishing off a set piece routine.

What Happened

Adam Birchall’s side were on it right from the off at the Sobha Realty Training Centre, and almost took the lead within four minutes when Ceadach O’Neill was denied by Joshua Bentley.

O’Neill wasn’t to be denied again a few minutes later though, firing into the near post having been picked out by Brando Bailey-Joseph.

Bailey-Joseph continued to provide a bright spark on the right wing and looked as though he should have been awarded a penalty five minutes after creating the opening goal, only for the referee to show him a yellow card for simulation.

The away side then came back into the game and equalised just after the half-hour mark. Remi Lupinski produced a fine save to deny William Unadike, only for Indiana Pedder to convert the rebound via a deflection.

We started the second half even faster than the first and restored our lead within three minutes of the restart. Josh Ogunnaike placed a fine cross into the penalty area which substitute Kyran Thompson converted with his first involvement in the game.

Our lead didn’t last long however, as Archie Brown rifled an effort into the top corner to draw the Tractor Boys level once again.

We weren’t to be deterred though, and once again Kyren Thompson put us in front, dispatching his opportunity after an excellent solo run from Josiah King.

Brando Bailey-Joseph made the points safe with 12 minutes to play, finishing off a clever corner routine to make it two goals in two games after scoring in the UEFA Youth League on Tuesday.

What It Means

Victory over the Tractor Boys extends our unbeaten start to the season and maintains our position at the top of the U18 Premier League South. We now have five wins and a draw in our six matches in all competitions at under-18s level.

What’s Next

Adam Birchall’s side are back in action next Saturday, September 27 with a trip to the South Coast to take on Brighton & Hove Albion in another U18 Premier League affair. Kick-off at the Amex Elite Football Performance Centre is scheduled for 12pm (UK time).

Line-Ups

Arsenal XI: Lupinski (Talbot, 77’), Hamill, Onyekachukwu, Chapman (Marciniak, 46’), Ogunnaike, Murisa, King, Julienne, O’Neill (Thompson, 46’), Hashi, Bailey-Joseph (Tahou, 85’)

Subs (not used): Phillips

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