Author: Staff Writer

Henri Lansbury started and played the full 90 minutes, plus an additional 30 minutes of extra time as Scunthorpe United lost 3-2 to Luton Town in the Johnsons Paint Trophy at Wembely.

A large 55,000 + crowd packed into the ground, and the atmosphere right from the offset was electric. The spectators didn’t have to wait long for something else to cheer about, as Gary Hooper slotted the favourites into the lead on 14 minutes.

Chris Martin levelled proceedings on 32 minutes, setting up an exciting second half.

The second period was a little nervous from both sides, and it appeared like extra time would be needed to separate them. Yet on 70 minutes, former Middlesbrough frontman Tom Craddock cropped up with a smooth finish to seal what looked like a Cup win.

Scunthorpe kicked on from this point, and had further chances through Sam Togwell, and a screamer from Lansbury. Henri’s long range pile driver smashed off the underside of the bar and away.

The equaliser was coming, and Luton knew it. But the manner in which it came was not. Grant McCann received Hooper’s pass, and whipped a curling long ranger into the roof of net from a tight angle. It was a stunning effort.

Extra time would be needed to separate the two after all, and it seemed like United had the advantage.

But just 5 minutes into extra time, a long punt down the middle caught the Iron back-line cold, and as Murphy raced from his goal, Claude Gnapka bullied his way through to clip the winner over the stopper.

A small fight back came to nothing, and the Cup was Luton’s. Henri did however walk up the famous steps to claim his runners up medal.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Yesterday marked the the launch of PlayStation® Freestylers, a new web based initiative designed to showcase the talents of the world’s most impressive young tricksters.

The scheme is for teenagers aged 13-16, who will upload videos of themselves performing flicks and tricks to YouTube, where they will be judged by PlayStation, a UEFA Champions League sponsor, and can win the opportunity to be the official ball carrier at this seasons Champions League Final at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico on May 27th.

The national winners will qualify for a live European Final which will be held in Rome ahead of the final.

To held launch the project, Arsenal and Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey took time out on his return from International duty to kick things off with some skills of his own. You can view this video below.

P.S – If you’re interested in taking part in this competition, check our previous video of Jonas Rasmussen showing some of his flair earlier in the campaign Here.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson

As you may or may not be aware, Young Guns recently asked your opinions of the site in our first Readers Survey.

Around 90 readers provided us with valuable feedback, and after having a couple of days to mull over it, we’ve taken your views and ideas into consideration and we’re already making changes.

Nearly everybody was in agreement that a new section featuring information about the youth team would be a valuable asset, and we’re proud to announce this evening that this has now been completed and has gone live.

The new section is split into 5 easy to follow areas. They cover a whole spectrum of issues, including the early years, the current setup and coaching staff, and a full list of honours.

Click Here to check it out.

This is just one of a handful of changes will come into play over the next few weeks, so stay locked for all the latest developments.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Two members of Arsenal’s successful Under 16 team which won the Atalanta Cup and the Zinédine Zidane Tournament during the summer have been released.

Utility midfielder Cormac Hegarty and flamboyant winger Neil Johnston were both hoping for scholarship deals this summer, but Liam Brady has opted against making them full time at London Colney.

Hegarty was the surprise of the two, as he’s an Ireland Youth regular, and has been tipped for much success in the future. However, the London born youngster seems to be one of the casualties of a summer clear out.

Johnston – who is already 16 – has been impressive at Under 16 level, but Steve Bould has never pushed him on into his Academy side. Neil can play all over the midfield and is known to chip in with his fair share of goals.

The pair must now consider whether a career in football is really for them, or join the long list of prospects who never quite made it.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Arsenal appear to have lost their battle to keep promising young midfielder Samir Carruthers, after the prospect made the trip across London to finalise his move to Fulham.

Young Guns revealed that The Cottagers had trailed Samir last month, and we also hinted that their new Academy Director Huw Jennings was keen to offer to terms to the Hale End trainee.

Liam Brady must have sensed that Carruthers was seeking reassurances over his long-term future, and moved quickly to hand him a start in Steve Bould’s Under 18’s as they took on Watford. He looked rather bright during that game as a sole Roarie Deacon finish saw the Group title retained.

Yet it seems that opportunity was not enough, and Fulham now look like they’ve captured their second Arsenal kid in recent seasons after Keanu Marsh-Brown made the switch to Hammersmith after being released.

The coaching staff will no doubt be a little disappointed and frustrated should Samir complete the formalities of the transfer, but the blow will be eased with the likes of Chuks Aneke and Nico Yennaris possessing equal if not more potential – the duo have already been capped for England.

More to follow.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup has collected the Lamb Awards sponsored Young Guns Player Of The Month crown for March 2009, after playing an integral part for both club and country.

The summer signing from AZ Alkmaar began the month with the Dutch Under 17’s, as the skipper was part of a training session held by coach Albert Stuivenberg in preparation for the forthcoming UEFA European Elite League qualifying campaign.

He subsequently missed out on featuring during the F.A Youth Cup win over Tottenham, and the Under 18’s 4-3 victory at London rivals Chelsea.

However, Oğuzhan did start the very next game, as the Gunners made the short trip to take on Fulham at Motspur Park. The Dutchman was spot on from 12 yards after 19 minutes – adding to Luke Freeman’s opener. He bagged his second of the fixture in the second half – Arsenal ran out 5-1 winners.

After doubling his goal tally for the Gunners this season in one game, Özyakup was on a plane back to his home land to perform for his country’s Under 17’s.

The prospect played the full 90 minutes of a 1-0 win against Azerbaijan, he then walked away with an assist during the 4-0 crushing of Luxembourg. Ozzie wrapped up the campaign by converting yet another penalty during the final group game – a 3-0 win over Croatia to seal a place in the finals.

So all in all, four games, three goals and one assist. Quite a month for the 16-year-old.

Article By – J.Sanderson

As regular Young Guns readers will know, we recently celebrated our first anniversary. To tie in with that, we’d like to present our first readers survey.

This is where we ask you for your thoughts and opinions on where the site can improve, develop, and ultimately make the visiting experience more enjoyable for you. Your views really do count, and will affect the future running of the site.

Below are a selection of questions and answers that we’ve put together. Read through them carefully, and when done, scroll down to the comment section. Input the answers like so. If you wish to answer A for question one, put 1) – A, and so on.

The survey covers a whole spectrum of issues, but if you feel we’ve missed something, then feel free to add that in at the bottom.

Everybody who answers all the questions will go into a draw to win an ArseShirt of your choice. So not only do you get to decide the future of the site, but you could receive a free shirt just for entering.

Read more →

Jack Wilshere returned to training on Monday morning, having finally shrugged off an ankle complaint which stopped him from linking up with the England Youth teams during the International break.

The injury came at a difficult time for the 17-year-old winger, who had experienced a dip in form after Christmas. However, Jack was just getting back to his best when the sustained the knock in training.

As you can see above, Wilshere was one of a select few Gunners at London Colney this morning. Yet the complex was not quiet, far be it, as the England National team were in attendance ahead of their World Cup clash with Ukraine later today.

Sticking with the England theme, Kieran Gibbs played a pivotal role for the Under 20’s last night as they dispatched their Italian counterparts at Loftus Road.

In all truth, Noel Blake’s side could have lost in the opening 20 minutes, but stopper David Button kept them at bay in a rampant opening period.

England hit back when Scott Sinclair picked out Freddie Sears in the box, but again the ‘keepers were keeping things level. However, The resulting set piece saw the opener.

Marc Albrighton’s dipping corner picked out the arriving captain Ciaran Clark who bundled home from close range. If Blake thought that was an excellent start, it got better 10 minutes later.

Gibbs – who played in an attacking central midfield role – drilled a pacy cross from the left hand side, and after Sears allowed the ball to run though to Daniel Sturridge, the City striker controlled first time, before curling home the decisive effort.

It finished 2-0. Kieran played the full 90 minutes.

And finally, Armand Traoré played 80 minutes for the French Under 21’s on the left wing last night.

Goals from Lorient loanee Gabriel Obertan and Toulouse’s Moussa Sissoko saw Stuart Pearce’s England easily beaten.

Article By – J.Sanderson

Benik Afobe struck his second goal in as many England Under 17 games yesterday afternoon, as England cruised into the UEFA European Under 17 Championships in style.

The Three Lions were already over the finish line after Afobe and Luke Freeman efforts earned a 2-1 win last time out, and other results went their way. Nevertheless, John Peacock’s boys went out to win against a technically gifted Hungary.

A superb run down the left from Benik pulled and probed the oppositions back line, before the 16-year-old slipped in Jacob Walcott who clipped home the opener. The powerful forward wrapped up the win after, when he reacted quickest to snaffle home from close range.

Click below to watch all the action.

Click Here To Watch

Article By – J.Sanderson