Youths still lead the way

West Ham United Under-18s return to action on Saturday at home to Reading and are still two points clear at the top of Group A of the Premier Academy League.

Tony Carr's men are well placed to take the title but second-placed Arsenal are still many people's favourites. West Ham United have three games left this season compared to Arsenal's five. While Reading arrive at Little Heath, Arsenal will also be in home action against another team from Group B in the shape of Cardiff City.

Meanwhile, Daniel Kearns has returned to the Academy after a disappointing week with Northern Ireland. The promising midfielder figured in a European U17 Championship qualifying mini-tournament hosted by the Northern Irish. but the 16-year-old was unable to inspire his country as they lost all three games to Scotland, Slovenia and Wales.

League table I Results and fixtures