Arsenal Under-18s battled to a 2-1 win over Royston Town at Meadow Park in the FA Youth Cup on Wednesday night.

The Gunners’ victory sets up a home tie against Crewe Alexandra in the fifth round on Monday, February 2.

But Arsenal had to work very hard to extend their run in the competition after conceding an early goal against the non-league visitors.

Royston made a bright start to the cup tie and were rewarded with the opener after just four minutes.

Stephy Mavididi hit the post for the home side but Royston broke away and Joe Grossi punished Arsenal by firing past goalkeeper Ryan Huddart.

The breakthrough gave the underdogs plenty of confidence and the team went close to doubling their lead.

Josh Castiglione’s shot flew just wide of the post before a free-kick from Callum Wilson narrowly missed the target.

These misses proved costly as Arsenal equalised in the 37th minute. Royston failed to clear the ball and Mavididi pounced to fire home for the hosts.

The match was turned around completely two minutes before the break when Mavididi struck again.

The visitors made another defensive mistake and the striker capitalised to calmly chip the ball over the keeper.

The Gunners took control of the contest in the second half as Dan Crowley’s free-kick struck the side netting.

Mavididi nearly completed his hat-trick but the visitors managed to block his effort.

Royston finished the game with ten men after Sam Fletcher was sent off for a second booking. Meanwhile Arsenal Ladies have signed Spanish international midfielder Vicky Losada from Barcelona.