The Academy under 18s paid the price for a poor start when they met Arsenal at Compton Park on Saturday.

Despite a much improved second-half performance against the Gunners, the Molineux youngsters slipped to a 3-1 defeat.

Coach John Perkins said: "We never got started in the first 15 minutes and sloppy defensive work saw us conceding two goals.

"When we finally clicked into gear, the pace of Sam Winnall and Ashley Hemmings combined with good service from Kyle Bennett and David Davis started to cause Arsenal quite a few problems.

"We had a good chance in the 37^th minute when Kyle put Fabruce Kasiama through on goal but he shot straight at the keeper.

"Unfortunately, just before the break, Arsenal broke away and scored a third.

"We completely dominated the second-half with Sam Winnall hitting the post twice and James Davis firing narrowly wide.

"But our only reward was a goal from Aristote Guerin-Lokonga who netted with a low shot after a cross from Sam.

"We did have one or two chances after that but, in the end, we were made to pay for that poor start.

"Steve Bould, the Arsenal coach, was very complimentary about the football we played and I was pleased with the way we bounced back after that bad opening.

"But, having conceded three times in the first-half, it was always going to be a struggle to take anything from the game."