Arsenal moved five points clear of Southampton in the race for the U-18 Premier League South runner-up spot after pipping Southampton 1-0 at the Staplewood Training Ground on Wednesday afternoon.

Arsenal U18 manager, Kwame Ampadu made wholesome changes to his starting XI, resting a host of their regular players while handing talented Nigerian winger Armstrong Okoflex and defender Tobi Omole a place in the starting lineup.

Southampton's Nigerian strikers Jonathan Afolabi and Micheal Obafemi were equally handed starting berths to impress for the hosts.

During the course of the first period, Afolabi lined up a penalty kick after a foul in the Arsenal area three minutes to halftime but unfortunately saw his effort saved by the Gunners goalkeeper Daniel Baden.

His miss would eventually prove costly for the young Saints as Matthew Smith showed composure to put away one at the other end for Arsenal a minute past the hour mark to condemn the opposition to defeat.

Both of Afolabi and Obafemi went the distance for the hosts in the game as also Arsenal's Omole while Okoflex was replaced by Josh Martins after 77 minutes. 

Emmanuel Chinaza

Photo Credit : southamptonfc.com