The Arsenal U18 youth team continue their impressive run in the FA cup, to take a 2 goal lead into the 2nd leg at Highbury a week today. After a 1st half in which Coventry had the better of the opening 20 minutes, Arsenal gradually took control, seemingly killing the tie with 3 2nd half goals. The first, just after the break, with a superb solo effort from Jerome Thomas. Midway through the half Arsenal score twice more in 3 minutes, Jay Bothroyd setting up both with left wing crosses. Barrett nipped in behind a defender to steer the first home, and Sidwell got his head to the second before the keeper to get Arsenal's 3rd goal. Coventry got what is hopefully only a consolation when the ref allowed McSheffrey to take a free kick before the Arsenal wall was organised a few minutes from time.

Check the ArseWeb youth team page later in the day for more details, and links to other reports.

The dates for the FA Youth Academy League playoff finals have also now been set, as Arsenal's youth teams attempt to complete an all-conquering season.

The Under 17s play Crewe Alexandra. The first leg is at Gresty Road on Tues 16 May, kickoff at 7.45pm. The return leg at Highbury is on Fri 19 May, kickoff 7pm.

The Under 19s play West Ham, and are also away in the 1st leg at Upton Park, on Thur 18 May, kickoff 7pm. The return leg at Highbury is on Sun 21 May, kickoff 3pm.