Newport County suffered a 2-1 defeat following a late Arsenal U21s goal in their opening fixture of the Vertu Trophy.
Ben Lloyd opened the score early on with a composed finish for Newport County.
Andre Harriman-Annous dragged the young Gunners level from the penalty spot, and Charles Sagoe Jr would tap in the winner in the dying moments of the outing.
The Exiles opened the score early on as Sammy Braybrooke’s cross picked out Lloyd who nestled the ball into the bottom corner of the Arsenal net.
The young Gunners responded as Sebastian Ferdinand’s driven cross found Harriman-Annous who snapped a shot goalwards, calling Jordan Wright into action with a diving save.
As the County continued their positive start, Michael Reindorf intercepted the ball high and threaded Lloyd through on goal, but Marli Salmon did well to cut out the chance.
Looking to get back into it, Arsenal’s Sagoe Jr showed some flashy skill to break down County’s defence and unselfishly squared the ball to Ferdinand, but Glennon was quick to clear his lines.
Ferdinand would get his shooting chance in the 30th minute, dragging his shot just wide of the post.
In an attempt to cool Arsenal’s pressure, Braybrooke snapped a shot goalwards from the edge of the box, but the ball sailed just over the bar.
Half-Time
Starting quickly, Joshua Nichols had his shot from range saved by Wright.
Wright would be called into action again just moments later, getting low to save Harriman-Annous’ penalty kick.
The referee would point to the spot once again and Harriman-Annous would make no mistake the second time around, slotting the ball past Wright into the bottom corner.
Looking to regain their lead, Newport County’s Kamwa put his long-ranged curling effort wide.
Lloyd’s bicycle kick had the ball in the back of the net for a second time, but the whistle is blown for a foul on the keeper.
Building pressure, Spellman had a shot from a tight angle blocked and put out of play.
Demaine Agustein fired an ambitious shot towards goal, forcing Wright into a reactionary save.
Following a corner, the young Gunners took the lead through a Sagoe Jr tap-in.
Full-Time
Starting XI – Wright, Ogunneye, Warner, Clarke, Glennon, Braybrooke, Brennan, Lloyd, Reindorf, Kamwa, Baker-Richardson
Subs – Tzanev, Evans, Thomas, Davies, Spellman, Opoku, McKenzie
On
Nathaniel Opoku
Michael Spellman
Joe Thomas
Cameron Evans
Myles McKenzie
Off
Courtney Baker-Richardson
Michael Reindorf
Habeeb Ogunneye
Ciaran Brennan
Bobby Kamwa
Attendance – 1218 (89 away)
