Arsenal secure late win over Newcastle to book PL2 play-offs quarter-final spot

Arsenal U21s defeated Newcastle United 2-1 in the first round of the Premier League 2 play-offs at Meadow Park on Friday evening.

The home side began the game brightly. Striker Nathan Butler-Oyedeji wasted an effort to get the opener, while Jimi Gower was denied by goalkeeper Aidan Harris.

Arsenal were rewarded for their brilliant start when Butler-Oyedeji put them ahead from the penalty spot in the 25th minute.

Defender Cathal Heffernan had fouled Andre Harriman-Annous, allowing Butler-Oyedeji to give Arsenal the lead from the spot.

Goalkeeper Tommy Setford made a brilliant save to preserve Arsenal’s lead, preventing forward Sean Neave from scoring.

However, the away side grabbed the equaliser just after the restart.

Scott Bailey robbed defender James Sweet off the ball before taking aim at the goal after spotting Setford out of position.

The game got scrappier, but both teams still created chances in search of the winning goal.

Butler-Oyedeji missed a chance from the edge of the area, while Neave also missed opportunities to give the Magpies the lead.

Midfielder Jack Henry-Francis whipped a shot on to the top of the net, while Anthony Munda’s effort for Newcastle also hit the side netting.

Setford made a vital save to keep Arsenal level, denying Jay Turner-Cooke’s free-kick from scoring in the 83rd minute.

Arsenal were awarded a penalty in stoppage time after Rory Powell had brought down Charles Sagoe Jr inside the box.

Substitute Khayon Edwards stepped up to dispatch the penalty calmly, sending Harris the wrong way to help Arsenal book a place in the quarter-final.

Mehmet Ali’s side will now face Manchester City, who beat Liverpool in extra time on Friday evening.

The post Arsenal secure late win over Newcastle to book PL2 play-offs quarter-final spot first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.