Dutch-Nigerian winger scores from inside his own half as Arsenal U21s beat St Albans City

Arsenal U21s wrapped up their pre-season schedule with a 1-0 win over National League South club St Albans City, with Dutch-Nigerian winger Joel Ideho's excellent long-range goal strike making the difference.

Ideho and Tim Akinola made the starting line-up with the latter returning from injury while Butler-Oyedeji was left with a place on the bench.

The likes of Miguel Azeez, Zach Awe, and James Olayinka were all absent from the match-day squad.

The game started in a rather underwhelming way with clear-cut chances really hard to come by. However, Ben Cottrell was lively and looked the most likely to create something for the young Gunners before he was replaced due to injury.

Ideho then scored from just inside his own half midway through the second half with a lobbed shot to give Arsenal the lead.

Replacement goalkeeper Tom Smith then had to produce some great saves to maintain the score at 1-0 which was understandable due to the heavily rotated squad.

Akinola was replaced in the second half as Butler-Oyedeji remained an unused substitute for the entirety of the game.

In the end, St Albans couldn't find a way through Arsenal's defence and the young Gunners finished preseason with a victory.

The Gunners development squad are at home to Manchester United in their first competitive game of the new season on Saturday, August 6.

Sofoluwe Mayowa

Copyright ANS

All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from allnigeriasoccer.com