Arsenal, who have won the PGA League title for the last two seasons, netted all their goals in the first half. Mia Dixon converted an early penalty after the referee adjudged a handball inside the box before Cairo-Evea Antoine doubled their lead followed by Dixon grabbing her second and the visitors’ third five minutes before the break.
Our Academy side, who had four Under-16s involved in the matchday with three of them starting, came out fighting after the break despite the three-goal deficit and pulled a goal back through Poppy Neil four minutes after the restart.
However, we were unable to find the second goal to mount more pressure on our opponent and the defeat means our Under-19s will now compete in the PGA Plate.
Later this month, Matt Sharman’s side will also take part in Division One of the PGA for the second phase of the competition after finishing inside the top five of the Southern Division during the first phase.
Speaking after the game, coach Matt said: "We are, as a team, disappointed with how we started the game. I think the goals that we conceded were preventable, but those were the cards we had been dealt with and I can't fault the team's response coming back out after the break.
"We got a really good goal from Poppy Neill and our response was really good, but just unfortunately we just couldn't get that second goal. But, it was a difficult one to process, we stayed throughout the game in the highs and lows, the big momentums swung either way and we stayed together as a team throughout, so that was a really positive thing for us as a group because being a team, staying together and moving forward is the biggest thing that we can do from this point onwards.
"The Under-16s came in and gave a really good account of themselves, so a massive credit to them. They came in and had a great impact on the game and they played really well. Also, a massive credit to the Under-19s as well because they set the environment for the young players to come in and showcase themselves, and make them feel comfortable, so that's really good.
"As a group, we're really excited to go into Division One. We've got many qualities across the Under-19s that are going to have a real impact at that division, at that level. We know collectively as a group that we have to consistently perform at our best level, but I think we've got the capability and firepower to go toe-to-toe with all the other teams in Division One. So, it's just about being the best version of ourselves on that day when we play."
Spurs: Radbourne, Leathers, Elmes, Prosser, Bush (McLean 68), Aramide (Deria 77), Mace, Withey (Johnson 68), Neill, Bellwood (Bird 85), Denis. Substitutes (not used): Shields.